Hostos Center for the Arts and Culture Presents Repertorio Español's BLIND SPOT

Hostos Center for the Arts continues its partnership with Repertorio Español, the award-winning Spanish language theater company, with Blind Spot, (Punto ciego), written by Gerardo Cárdenas and directed by José Zayas on Wednesday, April 18 at 7 PM in the Repertory Theater at Hostos Community College, 450 Grand Concourse in the Bronx. The winner of the 2015 Metlife "Nuestras Voces" National Playwriting Competition, Blind Spot deals with the timely issue of the lure of citizenship being used by the U.S. government to attract undocumented immigrants to enlist in the Armed Forces, and some of the complications that result. Reserved seating for Blind Spot is $15 and $5 for students and ages 18 and under. Tickets can be purchased by phone at 718-518-4455, online at www.hostoscenter.org, or in person at the Hostos Center Box Office (Mon. - Fri. 1 PM to 4 PM), or two hours prior to performance. Performed in Spanish with English Surtitles.

In recent years, the military has tried to draw in immigrants with programs that allow enlistees to become citizens after basic training, attracting about 5,000 takers each year, according to the Defense Department. One out of every 13 sailors is foreign born, the highest proportion in any military branch, according to the Navy. The service regularly holds citizenship ceremonies aboard ships. At the same time, the proportion of racial and ethnic minorities in the military, mirroring the nation as a whole, has surged to 40 percent - nearly twice what it was 20 years ago.

Blind Spot tells the story of Ramón García, an undocumented immigrant seeking his own version of the American Dream: the hope for a new life given by citizenship papers after serving his country, and the happiness of being able to build a better future. He never saw an unexpected turn coming from a blind spot that would transform his life, and that of his family, into a bitter awakening and the realization of being a small piece in a huge political board. The recent deportation to Mexico after nearly 30 years in the U.S. of U.S. Army Veteran Miguel Perez, Jr., who believed he had earned citizenship for his military service, has given this issue national attention.

Blind Spot features Pedro de León in the leading role along with Zulema Clares, Alfonso Rey, Gerardo Gudiño, Sandor Juan, Hannia Guillén and Gonzalo Trigueros. There will be a talkback with the actors following the performance.

Support for the presentation of this production comes from the Hostos Community College Foundation, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the New York City Council and the Coalition of Theaters of Color.

BIOS

GERARDO CÁRDENAS (PLAYWRIGHT): Gerardo Cárdenas is a Mexico-City born writer and journalist who lived in several parts of the United States and Europe before settling in the Chicago area in 1998. He has published poetry, short fiction, and drama, and is a frequent contributor to print and online publications. He has also recently joined the Aguijon Theater company in Chicago as an actor and adaptator.

JOSÉ ZAYAS (DIRECTOR): Resident Director Zayas began working with Repertorio in 2004 when he was selected as a fellow of the Van Lier Young Directors Project. Ever since, he has directed eight productions for the company and was named Resident Director in 2013. His production of Caridad Svich's The House of the Spirits, based on Isabel Allende's novel, at Repertorio Español, won multiple ACE and HOLA awards, including best production and director.

About Repertorio Español

Repertorio Español was founded in 1968 by Stage Director René Buch and the late theatre producer Gilberto Zaldívar, and has become one of the most successful Off-Broadway theatres. the company was founded with the mission of producing the finest Spanish-language theatre from Latin America and Spain as well as plays written by Hispanic Americans. the company presents a rotating repertory of 15 different plays, musicals and dance concerts in over 300 performances every year. Its productions are seen by over 50,000 people annually at its home, the historic Gramercy Arts Theatre and on tour. Every year, approximately 20,000 students are introduced to the heritage of Spanish-language theatre through its education program, ¡DIGNIDAD! For more information visit, http://repertorio.nyc/#/

About the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture

Founded in 1982, The Hostos Center for the Arts and Culture, based at Hostos Community College of the City University of New York, serves the cultural needs of residents of the South Bronx and similar inner-city communities who do not have the means or inclination to attend arts events in mid-town Manhattan. The Center, which includes a 900-seat theater, a 367-seat theater, and a museum-grade art gallery, creates forums in which the cultural heritages of its audiences are affirmed and nurtured. The Center's programming consists of a performing arts presenting series; a visual arts exhibiting series; periodic festivals promoting cultural traditions, especially Afro-Caribbean; The Hostos Repertory Company; and an individual artists' program with commissions and residencies. Nearly 60,000 partake in the Center's programs each year. www.hostoscenter.org

About Hostos Community College

Eugenio María de Hostos Community College is an educational agent for change that has been transforming and improving the quality of life in the South Bronx and neighboring communities for nearly half a century. Since 1968, Hostos has been a gateway to intellectual growth and socioeconomic mobility, as well as a point of departure for lifelong learning, success in professional careers, and transfer to advanced higher education programs. Hostos offers 27 associate degree programs and two certificate programs that facilitate easy transfer to The City University of New York's (CUNY) four-year colleges or baccalaureate studies at other institutions. The College has an award-winning Division of Continuing Education & Workforce Development that offers professional development courses and certificate-bearing workforce training programs. Hostos is part of CUNY, the nation's leading urban public university, which serves more than 500,000 students at 24 colleges. https://www.hostos.cuny.edu/

Photo: Repertorio Español - Alfonso Rey and Pedro de León in Blind Spot Photo By M Palma

To post a comment, you must register and login.