DESTINOS (dĕ-stee-noce), the first Chicago International Latino Theater Festival (CLATA), is a month-long festival of “first voice” plays and panels that kicks off with I, the Worst of All (U.S. premiere) on Sept. 29 at the National Museum of Mexican Art.
The festival runs through to Oct. 29. This important new festival showcases Chicago Latino theatermakers, as well as national and international artists, examining the Latino experience from multiple perspectives of five different countries (U.S., Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, and Puerto Rico) through a variety of theatrical genres and styles.
The festival features an unprecedented roster of international and local Latino works including the U.S. premiere of The Mirror performed by Ludi Teatro (Cuba), Medea performed by Arte Boricua (Puerto Rico) and I, the Worst of All performed by Chicago’s Water People Theater. Additional offerings include Victory Gardens Theater and Teatro Vista (in partnership with CLATA) present Tanya Saracho’s Fade and CLATA and Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s co-presentation of the Chicago premiere of Teatro Línea de Sombra’s Amarillo as part of the Theater’s World’s Stage series.
Festival-goers will also experience works performed by Vueltas Bravas Producciones (Colombia), playwright Felix Rojas (New York), Teatro Luna (Los Angeles/Chicago), in addition to works from Chicago’s own Latino theater companies Aguijón Theater, Urban Theater, Water People Theater and local playwright Ricardo Gamboa.
Performance venues throughout the festival include: The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare (800 E. Grand Ave. on Navy Pier), Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theatre (1700 N. Halsted), Victory Gardens Theater (2433 N. Lincoln Ave.), and National Museum of Mexican Art (1852 W. 19th Street). In addition to the theater programming, the Chicago International Latino Theater Festival will feature free pre/post show panel discussions with local and visiting artists addressing political and identity issues within the Latino community.
Chicago International Latino Theater Festival Schedule:
Sept. 29-Oct. 8: I, the Worst of All (U.S. premiere)
By Iraida Tapias │ Directed by Juan José Martín | Performed by Water People Theater at the National Museum of Mexican Art
“I, the Worst of All,” in such words defined Sor Juana Ines De La Cruz herself when signing with her own blood the formal abjuration of her life and work –while the Old and New World praised her as “The Tenth Muse”, “The Phoenix of Mexico.” De La Cruz lived in a dying century that refused to perish and as such, enhanced its bigotry against her talent and thirst for knowledge. In the attempt to conciliate her will and her freedom, she dared to share her mind and was punished as consequence. She died from being silent, while her voice on behalf of women transcended oceans and ages.
Upcoming performances:
- Oct. 5-8: Medea (U.S. premiere) presented at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theatre
- Oct. 5-8: Lovesick performed by Teatro Luna at Victory Gardens Theater
- Oct. 12-15: Death and the Maiden (La Muerte y la Doncella) presented at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theatre
- Oct. 12-15: Growing Up Gonzales (regional premiere) performed by Andres “Chulisi” Rodriguez at Victory Gardens Theater
- Oct. 17-29: Amarillo (regional premiere) co-presented by CLATA and Chicago Shakespeare Theater and performed by Teatro Línea de Sombra at The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare
- Oct. 19-22: Ashes of Light (world premiere) performed by Urban Theater Company at Victory Gardens Theater
- Oct. 19-22: El Espejo (The Mirror) performed by Ludi Teatro and presented at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theatre
- Oct. 26-29: Fade (Regional Premiere) at the Victory Gardens Theater and Teatro Vista (in partnership with CLATA)
- Oct. 26-29: Meet Juan(ito) Doe performed by Back of The Yards Theater in a special collaboration with Ricardo Gamboa at the Back of The Yards Storyfront
- Oct. 26-28: Miss Julie (regional premiere) performed by Vueltas Bravas Producciones and presented at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theatre
Festival Tickets
Single tickets to most performances are $25 for general admission, and tickets to Teatro Línea de Sombra’s Amarillobegin at $25. Senior and student tickets for performances at Victory Gardens Theater and the National Museum of Mexican Art are available at a $5 discount. Student tickets at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theatre are available as $15 rush tickets; senior tickets at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theatre are available at a $5 discount. Select Friday matinees will be $3 per Chicago Public High School student. For a full performance schedule, and to purchase tickets, please visit http://www.clata.org/festival-schedule.