Culture Project to Present Revised 'Life is a Dream'

The Culture Project, Maria del Puy Navarro Amador, in collaboration with Amnesty International USA, and in association with Francisco Reyes, present a special engagement of a pro-human rights theatrical event based on the classic Spanish play Life Is A Dream (La Vida es Sueño) by Calderón de la Barca with bilingual adaptation by Ms. Navarro Amador. Under the direction of Cecil Mackinnon with choreography by Barbara Allen and original music by Ed Ware, the six-member cast includes Allyn Burrows, James Gale, Hall Hunsinger, Ephraim López, Puy Navarro, and Francisco Reyes.

Free performances are March 29th at 3:00 p.m. and March 30th at 10:00 p.m. A special Fundraising Gala benefiting Amnesty International is set for March 31st at 3:00 p.m. All performances at the Culture Project (55 Mercer Street).

This production finds its inspiration in Spain's Judge Baltasar Garzón, who is a specialist in the research of terrorism, crimes against humanity and international organized crime. During his recent series of political lectures at NYU, The Transatlantic Dialogues, he was joined by leaders from different countries in South and Central America, Spain, and the U.S.

The revised version of Life Is A Dream (La Vida es Sueño), now set in the U.S., encompasses the plight of the Latin American emigrant. The play's universal themes find relevance in today's social and political climate. Originally published around 1636, the play tells the story of a Polish King whose son, Segismundo, was declared dead at birth because it had been prophesied that he would bring disaster to the country. Imprisoned all his life, the son reaches adulthood, and the King reveals that he is alive. With the court's approval, the King wants to declare Segismundo the heir to the throne. However, upon his release from prison, Segismundo turns violent killing a man and attempts rape. He is returned to prison where he is drugged, told that it was all a dream and is made to repent for his bad behavior by his Jailor. Rebels free the remorseful Segismundo who defeats the King's army causing him to doubt if he is in a reality or a dream. Segismundo's brutal transition from imprisonment to power makes him realize the ephemeral and fragile essence of Life, concluding that good works are all that matter and constitute our legacy.

The creative team for Life Is A Dream (La Vida es Sueño) has costumes by Moza Saracho and Courtney McClain, lighting by Justin Townsend, sound by Aural Fixation, video artistry by Nicholas Katsaounis, and dramaturgy by Gerry Bamman.

Tickets are free for performances on March 29th at 3:00 p.m. and March 30th at 10 p.m. based on a first-come, first served basis and may be reserved by email at boxoffice@cultureproject.org.

A special Fundraising Gala for Amnesty International is set for March 31st at 3:00 p.m., followed by a Q&A and cocktail reception. Admission to the gala is a $150 minimum donation per individual with all proceeds going toward Amnesty International's funding needs. For more information, or to make a donation, please visit www.lavidaessueno.com.