DESTINOS, First Chicago International Latino Theater Festival, Coming to the Windy City This fall

Major Latino theater companies from Latin America, the Caribbean and around the city will be showcased at DESTINOS (de-stee-noce), the first Chicago International Latino Theater Festival, an ambitious month-long festival of 'First voice' plays and panels presented by Chicago Latino Theater Alliance (CLATA), September 29 - October 29, 2017.

Will be sure to add to Chicago's well-deserved reputation for being the most exciting theater city in the nation, festival-goers will experience works by four international companies from Latin America and the Caribbean: Arte Boricua (Puerto Rico), Ludi Teatro (Cuba), Teatro Línea de Sombra (Mexico) and Vueltas Bravas Producciones (Colombia), in addition to offerings from both coasts: Felix Rojas (New York) and the exiting homecoming of Chicago founded Teatro Luna who has spent the past two years building Teatro Luna West (Los Angeles). Notably, the Festival will mark the U.S. debut of Ludi Teatro as well as the Chicago debuts of Arte Boricua, Felix Rojas, Teatro Línea de Sombra and Vueltas Bravas Producciones. Augmenting the festival roster, with the support of CLATA will be works by Chicago's own Latino theater companies Aguijón Theater, Teatro Vista, Urban Theater Company and Water People Theater.

"In Spanish, the word destinos has multiple meanings: destinies, destinations or fate," explained Myrna Salazar, executive director, Chicago Latino Theater Alliance. "We believe that theater transports people to a place that transcends boundaries, and towards a broader outlook on the world. Through this, the inaugural Chicago International Latino Theater Festival - DESTINOS, shares the belief in the power of theater to amplify first-voice Latino artists and to create a cross-cultural experience."

CLATA and Chicago Shakespeare Theater are thrilled to co-present the Chicago debut of Teatro Línea de Sombra, one of Mexico's most celebrated and forward-thinking ensembles. Its production of Amarillo, directed by Jorge A. Vargas, will be staged in Chicago Shakespeare's soon-to-be-completed The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare (800 East Grand Avenue on Navy Pier) as part of its World's Stage series, October 17-29, 2017. More information on this production can be found at www.chicagoshakes.com/amarillo.

"We are thrilled to participate in this important new Festival that showcases both Chicago Latino theatremakers and International Artists, examining the Latino experience from multiple perspectives and through a variety of theatrical genres and styles," said Chicago Shakespeare Executive Director Criss Henderson. "Through our World's Stage program, we strive to engage in a global artistic exchange to break down barriers that separate our cultures and communities. Now more than ever, these collaborations and conversations are vitally important."

Steppenwolf's 1700 Theatre (1700 N Halsted), Victory Gardens Theater (2433 N. Lincoln Ave.) and National Museum of Mexican Art (1852 W. 19th Street), will serve as additional partner venues throughout the Festival. In addition to the theater programming, the Chicago International Latino Theater Festival will feature free panel discussions with local and visiting artists addressing political and identity issues within the Latino community.

"The Chicago International Latino Theater Festival will give Latino artists and performers greater visibility," said Martin R. Castro, founding board chair of CLATA. "With the historic establishment of the Chicago Latino Theatre Alliance, and now this incredible festival, it is certain that we have enhanced Chicago's standing as a world-class theater destination."

Through its mission, CLATA aims to preserve and promote Latino cultural heritage by fostering the best works of Pan-Latino playwrights and by presenting culturally savvy productions that will not only engage Latino communities, but incite cross-cultural exchange amongst a diverse range of communities in Chicago.

Complete Festival programming and ticketing information will be announced in early August. For additional information, visit www.clata.org.

The Chicago Latino Theater Alliance was co-founded in 2016 by the three most prominent Latino cultural organizations: International Latino Cultural Center, the National Museum of Mexican Art, and the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance, joined by co-founder veteran arts executive, Myrna Salazar.

The Chicago Latino Theater Alliance, wishes to thank its funders without whom its mission would not be possible to foster and showcase thought provoking works of Latino theater artists, to inspire a cross-cultural audience: The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Allstate Insurance and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.

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