Teatro Esperanza, EnfocArte, and the Philadelphia Collective para el Arte Puertorriqueño present, Lolita, a one woman monologue on the fascinating and tumultuous life of Lolita Lebrón.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. Philadelphia, PA – September 16, 2019.
Lolita
in Spanish
Presented by EnfocArte and The Philadelphia Collective Para el Arte Puertorriqueño.
Part of the Voces Spotlight Series on Puerto Rico.
Friday, September 20, 2019, 7:30pm.
Teatro Esperanza, in collaboration with EnfocArte and The Philadelphia Collective Para el Arte Puertorriqueño, presents the Philadelphia premiere of Lolita: a monologue on the life of Lolita Lebrón, written by Waldo Torres, and featuring actor/producer Viviana Torres Mestey. Lolita is a dynamic and complex performance that explores how tragedy and idealism led one young woman to participate in an attack on the United States government.
Inspired by the life and work of the nationalist leader, Lolita tells Lebrón’s story in her own words. After serving her first year in the federal penitentiary at Alderson, West Virginia, Lebrón recounts her participation in a violent attack on the United States Congress in 1954. Through this piece, the fascinating and tumultuous life of Lebrón, who was born in Puerto Rico, is explored poetically and with sensitivity. The performance dives into the origin of Lebrón’s deep roots in national identity, feminism, and religion. Lolita illuminates intimate facets of Lebrón’s life that few knew.
Featuring Viviana Torres Mestey as Lolita Lebrón, with guest appearances by acclaimed Latin American recording artist, poet, and musician Antonio Cabán Vale “el Topo” and the Esperanza Academy Dance Ensemble.
ARTISTS BIOS:
Viviana Torres Mestey
Since 2002, Viviana has been producing plays for various production companies in Puerto Rico and in 2012, she founded EnfocArte, Inc. EnfocArte is a non-profit organization that produces educational projects, theater works, and photography expositions. Through EnfocArte, Ms. Torres Mestey has produced both commercial plays and educational theater projects for children. Beyond the performing arts, she has produced concerts, art exhibits, and installations. She actively participates in international events representing Puerto Rico. She has presented theater in Spain, Mexico, Cuba, and Colombia. She has also produced various film and television projects. EnfoCarte continues to evolve and innovate under her guidance and inspiration.
Antonio Cabán Vale (“el Topo”)
Guitarist, singer, poet, and composer of Puerto Rican folkloric themes. “El Topo” is one of the founders of the “new song” movement (Spanish: nueva canción) of the early 1970s. He has published several highly acclaimed books of poetry and released over twenty albums throughout his 40 year career. El Topo’s danza Verde Luz (Green Light) became a popular symbol of national dignity, to the point that it is viewed by many as Puerto Rico’s a second national anthem and has been interpreted by singers and musicians the world over.
Post-performance Q & A and reception with the artists: $30
Performance only: $10
Free admission for students 18 and under.
Tickets are available at: TeatroEsperanza.us
Teatro Esperanza is Esperanza’s venue for Latin arts and culture in the heart of Hunting Park, North Philadelphia. All performances at Teatro Esperanza are located inside Esperanza’s main building at 4261 North 5th Street, Philadelphia PA 19140. Free parking available in the Bristol Street lot.
For more information or press passes please contact Joy Huertas at (215) 324-0746 ext. 480 or jhuertas@esperanza.us.
More information on Lolita at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXsoUf1gYJU
Download official press release here: Lolita_Press Release
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About Esperanza. Esperanza is a national community-based social benefit organization founded in 1986 by Rev. Luis Cortés and the Hispanic Clergy of Philadelphia & Vicinity with the biblical mandate to serve and advocate for “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40). Beginning with a local initiative, with programs targeted to address the unmet needs of North Philadelphia’s Hispanic community, Rev. Cortés is now sought by national and international leaders alike on issues of economic and workforce development, housing, immigration, and education. Under his leadership, Esperanza has grown from a small operation to a $40 million organization with more than 450 employees.
About Teatro Esperanza. Guided by Esperanza’s core values of faith, integrity, and excellence, Esperanza Arts Center is the center for Latino performing arts in the Philadelphia region, spotlighting the rich spectrum of traditions from Central and South America and the Caribbean, as well as other cultures from around the world, creating positive transformational experiences for students, families, and attendees of all ages through the arts. For more information visit www.esperanzaartscenter.us
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