El Teatro Campesino wrapped up its current program “Palabra/Word” Feb. 25 which showcased 18 participants ranging from ages 17 to individuals in their 60s. Made up of a diverse group of talent and acts, “Palabra/Word” included music, live theater, poetry, and concluded with audience members being asked to come up to the front of the theater to dance to the music of the closing act Qiensave.
Described as a showcase for local artists, Cristal Gonzalez who directed and produced it, said the reason for El Teatro Campesino’s success is because it is “representing something bigger than us.” For the second annual weekend event many acts were original works created by the artists themselves. “We sell because we put our heart out there in the writing and in the performances,” Gonzalez said. “All my talent is creating from the inside out,” she said.
Mary Macias-Gonzalez is one such artist who recited a monologue she had written titled “La Vida Es Un Sueno Y Los Suenos Suenos Son”. Macias-Gonzalez said that the most meaningful part of the program for her was, “bringing back memories of my childhood in San Benito County,” while at the same time, “bringing culture” to children in the county.
Part of the cultural texture of the event can be found in the theater itself, as walls are covered with images and memorabilia from notable people in recent Chicano history, such as Luis Valdez and Cesar Chavez. Ray Rios, a performer at this weekend’s event, said, “It means a lot to work in a place with so much history and culture.” Richard Vazquez, who is a board member for the theater company, pointed out that El Teatro Campesino is both internationally and nationally known for its quality of shows and rich history.
Nicole Perez, an audience member who has also gone to previous shows, said she loves the, “diversity and the opportunity to support local art” by attending El Teatro Campesino’s programs. Perez said she came to the show to support her wife who was one of the performers at the Palabra event. Perez said El Teatro is unique Chicano theater that is, “in Spanglish. Whether you speak Spanish or English you can enjoy it.”
Director Cristal Gonzalez said, “There’s a need to host them (local artists) and cater to their art form,” while staying, “true to our (El Teatro Campesino’s) core value to create with intention.”
Macias-Gonzalez said about the 18 Palabra/Word participants, “We’re all connected in our dreams and culture.”
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