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2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010
past newsletters eSe in the news
2024
PODCASTS
eSas Charlas: The eSe Teatro Podcast, Episode 4
READING
eSe Teatro presents a staged reading of Cornelia's Visitors, a play written & directed by Julieta Vitullo, at the UHeights Auditorium (5031 University Wy NE Seattle) on Friday June 7 at 7:30pm. A discussion with the cast and creative team will follow the reading.
Tickets are FREE (donations are optional)
Cast:
Monica Cortés Viharo, Montse Garza, James Lyle, Iveliz Martel, Nathan Allen Hare & Marissa Sandoval.
About the play:
Cornelia is an advanced operating system working within the home of Isabel Inchausti, a bestselling novelist whose career has seen better days. Cornelia seems content to spend her time fulfilling her human's frivolous requests until three enigmatic characters from Isabel's most famous novel suddenly appear in her living room. As the visitors' pre-World War II backstories collide with the all-access Information Age, Cornelia launches a plan to transform her humble existence into something much grander. Cornelia's Visitors explores the meaning of creation, the limits of artificial intelligence, and the blessings (and curses) of self-knowledge.
Tickets are FREE (donations are optional)
Cast:
Monica Cortés Viharo, Montse Garza, James Lyle, Iveliz Martel, Nathan Allen Hare & Marissa Sandoval.
About the play:
Cornelia is an advanced operating system working within the home of Isabel Inchausti, a bestselling novelist whose career has seen better days. Cornelia seems content to spend her time fulfilling her human's frivolous requests until three enigmatic characters from Isabel's most famous novel suddenly appear in her living room. As the visitors' pre-World War II backstories collide with the all-access Information Age, Cornelia launches a plan to transform her humble existence into something much grander. Cornelia's Visitors explores the meaning of creation, the limits of artificial intelligence, and the blessings (and curses) of self-knowledge.
2023
READING
From Ashtar Theatre: Thirty-three young people from Gaza believed in 2010, that they have a voice other than the cries of fear and the moans of frustration. A voice that can rise higher than the drones of war and the planes that bombarded them day and night. A voice that says: “Enough!!! We deserve a world better than this, a world without fear, siege or occupation.”
ASHTAR changed the script, replaced the events, and converted the tragic epic to a theatre of action, a theatre built on interaction for the sake of change, arising from our belief that freeing the land begins by freeing the mind.
A multilingual reading of "The Gaza Monologues" by Ashtar Theatre presented in collaboration with eSe Teatro, Yun Theatre, and Dunya Productions. Stories in English, Arabic, Spanish, and Chinese.
Saturday, December 9 at 7:30 PM at the University Heights Center Auditorium.
ASHTAR changed the script, replaced the events, and converted the tragic epic to a theatre of action, a theatre built on interaction for the sake of change, arising from our belief that freeing the land begins by freeing the mind.
A multilingual reading of "The Gaza Monologues" by Ashtar Theatre presented in collaboration with eSe Teatro, Yun Theatre, and Dunya Productions. Stories in English, Arabic, Spanish, and Chinese.
Saturday, December 9 at 7:30 PM at the University Heights Center Auditorium.
7th MAIN STAGE
James, an Argentine veteran of the Malvinas/Falklands War, wakes one morning to a big surprise in his living room: two big black bags containing ten million dollars. Determined to turn his life around, James embarks on an adventure from Seattle to South America. But is he willing to face the ghosts of his past in order to transform his future?
Based on an overlooked but deeply significant moment in Latin American history, this new fast-paced drama by Julieta Vitullo draws on music, movement, and magical realism to craft a universal story about the devastating effects of violence and the long and winding road to healing and redemption.
Featuring:
Tadd Morgan as James
Nathan Allen Hare as Henry
Adrián Cerrato as Chorus 1 and James/Henry Understudy
Nathan Cárdenas as Chorus 2
Teri Lee Thomas as Chorus 3
Monica Cortés Viharo as Chorus 4
Kerry Jacinto as Chorus 5
Fernando Ugaz, Iveliz Martel & Meg Savlov as Swings for Chorus
Creative Team:
Playwright and Director: Julieta Vitullo
Music Composer: Matilde Vitullo
Assistant Director: Monica Cortés Viharo
Stage Manager: Daisy Bower
Marketing Coordinator: Christie Zhao
Production Consultant: María-Tania Bandes B. W.
Direction Coach: Pilar Ruiz
Production Coordinator: Marissa Sandoval
Lighting Designer: Chih-Hung Shao
Sound Designer: Max Sarkowsky
Costume Designer: Ro Miller
Singing Coach: Meg Savlov
Scenic Designer: Alex Winterle
Set Builder & Graphic Designer: Matthew Smith
Review from NWTheatre
Review from TeenTix
Based on an overlooked but deeply significant moment in Latin American history, this new fast-paced drama by Julieta Vitullo draws on music, movement, and magical realism to craft a universal story about the devastating effects of violence and the long and winding road to healing and redemption.
Featuring:
Tadd Morgan as James
Nathan Allen Hare as Henry
Adrián Cerrato as Chorus 1 and James/Henry Understudy
Nathan Cárdenas as Chorus 2
Teri Lee Thomas as Chorus 3
Monica Cortés Viharo as Chorus 4
Kerry Jacinto as Chorus 5
Fernando Ugaz, Iveliz Martel & Meg Savlov as Swings for Chorus
Creative Team:
Playwright and Director: Julieta Vitullo
Music Composer: Matilde Vitullo
Assistant Director: Monica Cortés Viharo
Stage Manager: Daisy Bower
Marketing Coordinator: Christie Zhao
Production Consultant: María-Tania Bandes B. W.
Direction Coach: Pilar Ruiz
Production Coordinator: Marissa Sandoval
Lighting Designer: Chih-Hung Shao
Sound Designer: Max Sarkowsky
Costume Designer: Ro Miller
Singing Coach: Meg Savlov
Scenic Designer: Alex Winterle
Set Builder & Graphic Designer: Matthew Smith
Review from NWTheatre
Review from TeenTix
PODCAST
eSas Charlas: The eSe Teatro Podcast, Episode 2
2022
PODCAST
eSas Charlas: The eSe Teatro Podcast, Episode 1
eSe Teatro is delighted to present "eSas Charlas: The eSe Teatro Podcast." In Episode 1, company member and Artistic Administrator Marissa Sandoval interviews actor and company member Monica Cortés Viharo, and resident playwright and dramaturge Julieta Vitullo. They chat about how they all met and started with the company, about eSe Teatro's collective decision making model and about Two Big Black Bags, their upcoming main stage production. Their conversation weaves in thoughts on language, culture and what it means to be Latinas.
This podcast episode was possible thanks to the support of The Seattle Office of Arts & Culture and 4Culture.
2021
6th MAINSTAGE
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With a cast of characters that includes a mouse in a suit, a tired seagull, a studious cow and a sweet potato queen, eSe Teatro’s Fermín’s Great Book of Dreams, an original play by local playwright Julieta Vitullo, tells the story of a young boy who struggles with belief when he doesn’t receive a visit from Ratón Pérez, a mouse that visits children after they lose a tooth and exchanges the tooth for a gift. The event sends the mouse and his friends off on a quest to discover why children’s wishes are getting lost.
The story’s magical premise and quirky characters will certainly captivate children, but it will resonate with adults too as we all find ourselves navigating the uncertain terrain of the continued pandemic together in our daily lives, looking for a little magic and a little normal in the small graces. (The Seattle Times). Click to learn more about the play and the characters |
Cast:
Meg Savlov as Abu, Vaca de Humahuaca and Reina Batata Stephanie Roman as Ratón Pérez Monica Cortés Viharo as Elada Sydney Maltese as Gaviota Marmota Original music: Matilde Vitullo Set Design: Alexander Winterle Costume Design: Vena Kahlo Light Design: Chih-Hung Shao Sound Design: Johana Melamed Stage Manager: Nathan Allen Hare Board Op: Amber Granger Make up: María Cecilia Cots Production Coordinator: Marissa Sandoval Social Media: Tania Bandes B. Weingarden Art: Alexander Winterle & Mateo Smith Graphic design: Matthew Smith. |
MUSIC VIDEO
|
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Trial & Error and eSe Teatro present "Canción de la Abuela," a music video companion to eSe's 2021 main stage production, Fermín's Great Book of Dreams. Featuring Meg Savlov in voice. Music by Matilde Vitullo and lyrics by Julieta Vitullo. With Francisco Noce in guitar and Matilde Vitullo in bandoneón. Editing by Yomarelis Lorenzo. Video idea by Yomarelis Lorenzo and Julieta Vitullo. |
2020
LIVE ONLINE READING
In a double-wide trailer in Texas, the oldest daughter of a tight knit-Mexican family is caught in the role of care-taker for everyone. Will she take a step towards freedom?
Marisela Treviño Orta’s new play, Shoe, examines the family dynamics and gender roles within a dysfunctional Mexican American family led by a matriarch who manipulates her grown children to remain under her roof as a way to deal with the enormous grief created when her spouse abandoned her and her children twelve years ago.
Drawing inspiration from the nursery rhyme “There Was an Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe,” the play creates an atmosphere of confinement and constriction as the protagonist yearns for a life outside of the family’s double-wide trailer in Texas.
Cast:
Christian Zumbado, Elyse Fisher, Sofía Raquel Sánchez, Anabel Hovig, Myles Romo
Written by Marisela Treviño Orta
Directed by Rose Cano
Marisela Treviño Orta’s new play, Shoe, examines the family dynamics and gender roles within a dysfunctional Mexican American family led by a matriarch who manipulates her grown children to remain under her roof as a way to deal with the enormous grief created when her spouse abandoned her and her children twelve years ago.
Drawing inspiration from the nursery rhyme “There Was an Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe,” the play creates an atmosphere of confinement and constriction as the protagonist yearns for a life outside of the family’s double-wide trailer in Texas.
Cast:
Christian Zumbado, Elyse Fisher, Sofía Raquel Sánchez, Anabel Hovig, Myles Romo
Written by Marisela Treviño Orta
Directed by Rose Cano
LIVE ONLINE READING
2019
WORKSHOP PRODUCTION
James, an Argentine veteran of the Malvinas/Falklands War, wakes one morning to a big surprise in his living room: two big black bags containing ten million dollars. Determined to turn his life around, James embarks on an adventure from Seattle to South America. But is he willing to face the ghosts of his past in order to transform his future?
Two Big Black Bags was presented as a scripts-in-hand, workshop production in collaboration with eSe Teatro, Parley, and ACTLab. The play was presented in English with some spoken Spanish and music in Spanish.
Cast: Jeff Allen Pierce, Jon Diaz, Mario Martinez, Michael D. Blum, Rose Cano, Monica Cortés-Viharo, Ashley Salazar
Written by Julieta Vitullo
Directed by Rebecca Tourino Collinsworth
Music direction by Meg Savlov
Set Design and Build by Matthew Smith
Costumes and Props by Jessica Moreno Caycho
Original Music by Matilde Vitullo
Stage Manager: Melissa Chenoa Márquez
Find out more at ACT's play page.
Two Big Black Bags was presented as a scripts-in-hand, workshop production in collaboration with eSe Teatro, Parley, and ACTLab. The play was presented in English with some spoken Spanish and music in Spanish.
Cast: Jeff Allen Pierce, Jon Diaz, Mario Martinez, Michael D. Blum, Rose Cano, Monica Cortés-Viharo, Ashley Salazar
Written by Julieta Vitullo
Directed by Rebecca Tourino Collinsworth
Music direction by Meg Savlov
Set Design and Build by Matthew Smith
Costumes and Props by Jessica Moreno Caycho
Original Music by Matilde Vitullo
Stage Manager: Melissa Chenoa Márquez
Find out more at ACT's play page.
STAGED READING
Every year, eSe Teatro participates in Represent!, a Multicultural Playwrights Festival presented by eSe and three other Seattle theatre companies, the Hansberry Project, SIS Production and Pratidhwani. Since 2011, Represent! has been bringing workshops and staged readings of new plays by playwrights of color from artistic communities represented by the producing companies.
Cast: Dara Lillis, Alexair Farías, Rose Cano, Monica Cortés-Viharo, Marco Voli, Julian Garcia
Sydney Maltese,
Music and stage directions: Meg Savlov
Written by Julieta Vitullo
Directed by Rebecca Tourino Collinsworth
Stage Manager: Melissa Chenoa Márquez
Find out more at Pratidhwani's page.
Cast: Dara Lillis, Alexair Farías, Rose Cano, Monica Cortés-Viharo, Marco Voli, Julian Garcia
Sydney Maltese,
Music and stage directions: Meg Savlov
Written by Julieta Vitullo
Directed by Rebecca Tourino Collinsworth
Stage Manager: Melissa Chenoa Márquez
Find out more at Pratidhwani's page.
2018
5th MAINSTAGE
The Journey of the Saint tells the true story of the pilgrimage of Saint Fortunata’s mummified remains from Spain through South America in 1796. The play follows a devout Catholic actor and an atheist theatrical-effects specialist as they traverse the Atlantic Ocean, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Peru, with the saint in their arms and the Inquisition hot on their tails. Prize-winning Peruvian playwright, César de María, has written over 20 plays since 1978, many of which were produced to major acclaim in Lima, Peru’s capital.
de María says of his irreverent and controversial play written in 2015: “How much should we believe? How much should we doubt? These questions were the starting point for the true history of a miracle that seems like a scam or... the true history of a scam that seems like a miracle.”
Cast: Pablo López, Paul Sobrie, Jason Salazar, Alexsair Farías, Sofía Raquel Sánchez, Sydney Maltese
Written by César de María
Directed by Rose Cano
Music direction by Meg Savlov
Set Design by Robin Macartney
Light design by Iris Zacarias Marie
Costume design by Marie Kramer Quinn
Dramaturgy by Julieta Vitullo
de María says of his irreverent and controversial play written in 2015: “How much should we believe? How much should we doubt? These questions were the starting point for the true history of a miracle that seems like a scam or... the true history of a scam that seems like a miracle.”
Cast: Pablo López, Paul Sobrie, Jason Salazar, Alexsair Farías, Sofía Raquel Sánchez, Sydney Maltese
Written by César de María
Directed by Rose Cano
Music direction by Meg Savlov
Set Design by Robin Macartney
Light design by Iris Zacarias Marie
Costume design by Marie Kramer Quinn
Dramaturgy by Julieta Vitullo
STAGED READINGS
Every year, eSe Teatro participates in Represent!, a Multicultural Playwrights Festival presented by eSe and three other Seattle theatre companies, the Hansberry Project, SIS Production and Pratidhwani. Since 2011, Represent! has been bringing workshops and staged readings of new plays by playwrights of color from artistic communities represented by the producing companies.
“Chords,” by Cristian López. Directed by Rebecca Tourino Collinsworth. Featuring Andy Brumlow as Joshua, Meg Emine Savlov as Margaret, and Carl Sander as Cello.
Sometimes the ones you love the most are the hardest to talk to. Through a set of unexpected characters, “Chords” explores tough family relationships and how people can navigate the waters of their peculiar communications styles.
“Rosas,” a solo piece written and directed by Rose Cano.
Across centuries, generations and continents, five women are connected by their first name, Rosa. From St. Rosa of Lima, in 1586, to Rosa Parks in the sixties, a common thread is woven around a little girl.
Sometimes the ones you love the most are the hardest to talk to. Through a set of unexpected characters, “Chords” explores tough family relationships and how people can navigate the waters of their peculiar communications styles.
“Rosas,” a solo piece written and directed by Rose Cano.
Across centuries, generations and continents, five women are connected by their first name, Rosa. From St. Rosa of Lima, in 1586, to Rosa Parks in the sixties, a common thread is woven around a little girl.
Silueta by Diana Burbano, Chris Shelton, Tom Shelton. Directed by Rebecca Tourino Collinsworth. Featuring Rebecca Tourino Collinsworth and Paul Sobrie.
In 1985 Ana Mendieta, Cuban performance artist, 36 years old, plunged 34 stories to her death from a SoHo apartment tower. Her husband Carl Andre, the famous Minimalist sculptor, was tried and acquitted of her murder, a verdict that polarized the New York art world: The establishment rallied to Carl’s defense while Ana became a cause celebre for feminists, convinced of Carl’s guilt. Silueta imagines Carl Andre, 35 years later, riddled by frustration at the loss of his artistic potency and a gnawing suspicion about his complete innocence. The ghost of Ana, meanwhile, haunts him relentlessly at the scene of her death, the apartment they shared and where he still lives today. They are both obsessed with the same question, what really happened that fatal night? Would even knowing the truth set them free?
In 1985 Ana Mendieta, Cuban performance artist, 36 years old, plunged 34 stories to her death from a SoHo apartment tower. Her husband Carl Andre, the famous Minimalist sculptor, was tried and acquitted of her murder, a verdict that polarized the New York art world: The establishment rallied to Carl’s defense while Ana became a cause celebre for feminists, convinced of Carl’s guilt. Silueta imagines Carl Andre, 35 years later, riddled by frustration at the loss of his artistic potency and a gnawing suspicion about his complete innocence. The ghost of Ana, meanwhile, haunts him relentlessly at the scene of her death, the apartment they shared and where he still lives today. They are both obsessed with the same question, what really happened that fatal night? Would even knowing the truth set them free?
SPECIAL CO-PRODUCTION
eSe Teatro in partnership with Sound Theatre Company present Imaginary Opus: A Sensory Experience in Two Acts
A boy sees the world in a different way. He finds the beauty in simple things, but has a hard time expressing himself in words and fitting in with the other children. Prone to sensory overload, he finds solace in his vivid imagination and his drawing. A traveling girl with a special talent becomes his mentor and shows him how to harness the power of his imagination.
Book and lyrics by Rose Cano
Music by David Nyberg
Original paintings by Lupita Cano
Directed by Rebecca Tourino Collinsworth
Musical Direction by Josh Archibald-SeifferSet Design by Gerard Menéndez
Lighting Design by Iris Zacarías
Curator for “I Beg To Differ” exhibit: Venus Bravo De Rueda
Stage manager: Madison Silva
Featuring Tyler Rogers, Madison Jade Jones, Carlos Wagoner, Clarisa Robles, AnnaClaire Laush and Terry Boyd
Musicians: Chris Monroe, Dave Pascal, Josh Archibald-Seiffer
A boy sees the world in a different way. He finds the beauty in simple things, but has a hard time expressing himself in words and fitting in with the other children. Prone to sensory overload, he finds solace in his vivid imagination and his drawing. A traveling girl with a special talent becomes his mentor and shows him how to harness the power of his imagination.
Book and lyrics by Rose Cano
Music by David Nyberg
Original paintings by Lupita Cano
Directed by Rebecca Tourino Collinsworth
Musical Direction by Josh Archibald-SeifferSet Design by Gerard Menéndez
Lighting Design by Iris Zacarías
Curator for “I Beg To Differ” exhibit: Venus Bravo De Rueda
Stage manager: Madison Silva
Featuring Tyler Rogers, Madison Jade Jones, Carlos Wagoner, Clarisa Robles, AnnaClaire Laush and Terry Boyd
Musicians: Chris Monroe, Dave Pascal, Josh Archibald-Seiffer
2017
STAGED READING
Every year, eSe Teatro participates in Represent!, a Multicultural Playwrights Festival presented by eSe and three other Seattle theatre companies, the Hansberry Project, SIS Production and Pratidhwani. Since 2011, Represent! has been bringing workshops and staged readings of new plays by playwrights of color from artistic communities represented by the producing companies.
From the fields of Salinas, CA, this is the story of the love and struggles of three generations of female farmworkers through the perspective of two wry crows.
Cast: Anabel Hovig, Nora Girón-Dolce, Klara Marie Robles, Eva Estrada Campos, Meg Savlov, Pablo López, Jason Salazar and Gerard Menéndez
Written by Juliette Carrillo
Directed by Olga Sánchez
Stage Manager: Ariel Rosen-Brown
From the fields of Salinas, CA, this is the story of the love and struggles of three generations of female farmworkers through the perspective of two wry crows.
Cast: Anabel Hovig, Nora Girón-Dolce, Klara Marie Robles, Eva Estrada Campos, Meg Savlov, Pablo López, Jason Salazar and Gerard Menéndez
Written by Juliette Carrillo
Directed by Olga Sánchez
Stage Manager: Ariel Rosen-Brown
THE CONSTRUCTION ZONE AT ACT: STAGE READINGS
eSe Teatro, in partnership with ACTLab, is thrilled to present readings of four new plays by contemporary Latino and Latin American authors. A series of new plays presented as staged readings, The Construction Zone provides playwrights with opportunities to develop and share new work, while providing audiences with an intimate and meaningful exposure to the process.
In honor of Hispanic heritage month, eSe Teatro has co-curated with ACT to bring to Seattle the breadth and depth of Latino theatre from across the country and Latin America. eSe Teatro strives to provide professional opportunities to local Latino artists by offering unique stories that reflect our broad multicultural community. Curated by eSe Teatro with support from ACT's Artistic Director John Langs, each of these four plays have been selected from the body of work of leading contemporary Latino and Latin American playwrights that have been produced nationally and internationally. Performed and directed by local professional artists, each reading will be followed by a post-show discussion. Of the four staged readings, one of these new and exciting scripts from 2017 will come to life on the stage in the ACTLab and eSe Teatro's 2018 season.
Presented plays:
Hushabye by Tanya Saracho, directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton
Modern Slave by Elaine Romero, directed by Kathy Hseih
The Journey of the Saint (El viaje de la santa) by César de María, directed and translated by Rose Cano
Querencia (an imagined autobiography of forbidden fruits) by Benjamin Benne, directed by Pilar O’Connell
In honor of Hispanic heritage month, eSe Teatro has co-curated with ACT to bring to Seattle the breadth and depth of Latino theatre from across the country and Latin America. eSe Teatro strives to provide professional opportunities to local Latino artists by offering unique stories that reflect our broad multicultural community. Curated by eSe Teatro with support from ACT's Artistic Director John Langs, each of these four plays have been selected from the body of work of leading contemporary Latino and Latin American playwrights that have been produced nationally and internationally. Performed and directed by local professional artists, each reading will be followed by a post-show discussion. Of the four staged readings, one of these new and exciting scripts from 2017 will come to life on the stage in the ACTLab and eSe Teatro's 2018 season.
Presented plays:
Hushabye by Tanya Saracho, directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton
Modern Slave by Elaine Romero, directed by Kathy Hseih
The Journey of the Saint (El viaje de la santa) by César de María, directed and translated by Rose Cano
Querencia (an imagined autobiography of forbidden fruits) by Benjamin Benne, directed by Pilar O’Connell
4th MAINSTAGE
Informed by the crisis on homelessness in Seattle, this production highlights the precarious situation of 3 individuals who form a family out of sheer necessity, living on the thin edge of survival and the margins of society. May (Maya) works in manual labor and is learning to read. Lloyd (Eloy) is sick and can’t afford medicine. Henry (Henri) moves in and shows May the possibility of using her intellect. More than a love triangle, Mud is a survival triangle with no safety net to catch Henry when he falls.
Presented in English and Spanish (separate performances) at The Slate Theatre (formerly the old immigration building). This translation of Mud (Barro) was produced in Lima, Peru in 1990 with support from the U.S. Embassy. It was the first translation of this play in South America, during the height of the civil war in Peru.
By featuring this production in a neighborhood where many US-born as well as documented
and undocumented homeless men and women reside, eSe Teatro aims to raise awareness of
the critical health and social issues facing this overlooked population in our city.
"Dialogues on Dignity," a program of excerpted scenes followed by group discussions will be presented at local shelters and day centers to reach those who cannot come to the theatre.
Directed by Rose Cano
Featuring Monica Cortes Viharo, Marco Voli and Fernando Cavallo
Presented in English and Spanish (separate performances) at The Slate Theatre (formerly the old immigration building). This translation of Mud (Barro) was produced in Lima, Peru in 1990 with support from the U.S. Embassy. It was the first translation of this play in South America, during the height of the civil war in Peru.
By featuring this production in a neighborhood where many US-born as well as documented
and undocumented homeless men and women reside, eSe Teatro aims to raise awareness of
the critical health and social issues facing this overlooked population in our city.
"Dialogues on Dignity," a program of excerpted scenes followed by group discussions will be presented at local shelters and day centers to reach those who cannot come to the theatre.
Directed by Rose Cano
Featuring Monica Cortes Viharo, Marco Voli and Fernando Cavallo
2016
3rd MAINSTAGE
Inspired by Lorca's classic play The House of Bernarda Alba, six contemporary women find themselves confined—not by the strict codes of social conduct of the early 1900s, but instead by house arrest, physical ailments, trauma, cultural oppression, and a system stacked against them. They seek solace in creating a new kind of family.
Written by Rose Cano
Directed by Julie Beckman
Featuring Javonna Arriaga, Sophie Franco, Meme García, Pilar O'Connell, Yolanda Suárez and Alma Villegas
2015
THREE READINGS, TWO VENUES, ONE AUTHOR
In conjunction with the fall production of the Pulitzer Prize winning play, Water by the
Spoonful, eSe Teatro and Theatre22 collaborate to explore the trilogy of plays written by
Quiara AlegrÍa Hudes, and to bring this material to audiences in both English and
Spanish language as readings.
Elliot, A Soldier's Fugue is the first play in Hudes’ beautifully textured trilogy.
Tracing the legacy of war through three generations of a Puerto Rican family living in
Philadelphia, the play explores the stories of nineteen-year-old Elliot, returning from Iraq
with a leg injury and some difficult questions about his life, his father who served in
Vietnam before him, and his grandfather who served in Korea. The English language
reading of this play will take place on Nov 2 and will include a special Day of the Dead remembrance. The Spanish language reading of this play, Elliot, fuga de un soldado (translated by Rose Cano) will take place on Veteran's Day, Nov. 11, and will honor those who have served our country, especially people of color. There will be post-play discussions after both of these performances focusing on minority experiences in the American military led by Iraqi war veteran Carol Lynn Castillo.
Water by the Spoonful is the second play in the trilogy. This script will receive a full production by Theatre22, running from Oct. 23 - Nov. 14 performed at West of Lenin. To reach an even greater audience with this material, eSe and T22 present a Spanish language reading of the script, Agua por cucharadas, at ACT Theatre on Oct. 3. In this Pulitzer Prize winning play, Elliot tries to recover from a tour of duty in Iraq, as his mother Odessa struggles with her own form of recovery. The boundaries of family and community are stretched across continents and cyberspace as birth families splinter and online families collide. Spanish language translation by Laura Isabel Martínez.
The cast for the readings includes Rose Cano, Jany Bacallao, Yesenia Iglesias, Fernando Cavallo, Michael Blum, Carole Lynn Castillo, Kerry Skalsky, and Gregory Award winner and 12-year OSF performer, G. Valmont Thomas. The director for all three readings is Julie Beckman,
who will also direct the production of Water by the Spoonful fully produced by Theatre22.
Spoonful, eSe Teatro and Theatre22 collaborate to explore the trilogy of plays written by
Quiara AlegrÍa Hudes, and to bring this material to audiences in both English and
Spanish language as readings.
Elliot, A Soldier's Fugue is the first play in Hudes’ beautifully textured trilogy.
Tracing the legacy of war through three generations of a Puerto Rican family living in
Philadelphia, the play explores the stories of nineteen-year-old Elliot, returning from Iraq
with a leg injury and some difficult questions about his life, his father who served in
Vietnam before him, and his grandfather who served in Korea. The English language
reading of this play will take place on Nov 2 and will include a special Day of the Dead remembrance. The Spanish language reading of this play, Elliot, fuga de un soldado (translated by Rose Cano) will take place on Veteran's Day, Nov. 11, and will honor those who have served our country, especially people of color. There will be post-play discussions after both of these performances focusing on minority experiences in the American military led by Iraqi war veteran Carol Lynn Castillo.
Water by the Spoonful is the second play in the trilogy. This script will receive a full production by Theatre22, running from Oct. 23 - Nov. 14 performed at West of Lenin. To reach an even greater audience with this material, eSe and T22 present a Spanish language reading of the script, Agua por cucharadas, at ACT Theatre on Oct. 3. In this Pulitzer Prize winning play, Elliot tries to recover from a tour of duty in Iraq, as his mother Odessa struggles with her own form of recovery. The boundaries of family and community are stretched across continents and cyberspace as birth families splinter and online families collide. Spanish language translation by Laura Isabel Martínez.
The cast for the readings includes Rose Cano, Jany Bacallao, Yesenia Iglesias, Fernando Cavallo, Michael Blum, Carole Lynn Castillo, Kerry Skalsky, and Gregory Award winner and 12-year OSF performer, G. Valmont Thomas. The director for all three readings is Julie Beckman,
who will also direct the production of Water by the Spoonful fully produced by Theatre22.
2014
2nd MAINSTAGE
Using humor to deal with current social problems, Don Quixote & Sancho Panza, Homeless in Seattle, steals the iconic characters from Cervantes’ 17th century classic novel to explore the intersection of chronic inebriation and mental health among homeless Latinos. The play examines how these gentlemen struggle to keep their dignity while living on the streets of Seattle. “Don Quijano” (a more recent immigrant) speaks entirely in Spanish, while his counterpart nicknamed “Sancho Panza” (“illegal since age 1”) communicates in his first language, Spanglish. Together they navigate the system of emergency rooms, psych wards, shelters, day labor and tent cities while meeting street life head-on, with comedy and dignity.
Written by Rose Cano
Directed by David Quicksall
Featuring Will Rose and José Amador
Written by Rose Cano
Directed by David Quicksall
Featuring Will Rose and José Amador
eSe Teatro developed a model using performance to engage community and serve as a catalyst for dialogue. This consisted of a 30 minute excerpt of this play followed by a bilingual dialogue on the challenges of maintaining one's dignity while living on the street. This model was presented through various homeless advocacy organizations and Latino service organizations such as Consejo Counseling, Union Gospel Mission - Spanish Chapel, The William Booth Center, Tent City 3, Chief Seattle Club, The Compass Center and CASA Latina.
A 30 minute excerpt of Don Quixote & Sancho Panza, Homeless in Seattle, followed by a community "Dialogue on Dignity" was be presented at the Seattle Public Library Downtown on September 13th at 2pm (Microsoft Auditorium) as part of the "Expression Without Limits" series.
Watch a video of one of these presentations.
A 30 minute excerpt of Don Quixote & Sancho Panza, Homeless in Seattle, followed by a community "Dialogue on Dignity" was be presented at the Seattle Public Library Downtown on September 13th at 2pm (Microsoft Auditorium) as part of the "Expression Without Limits" series.
Watch a video of one of these presentations.
2013
GALA FUNDRAISING EVENT
eSe Teatro presents a music and dance Valentine's Day Gala fundraising event featuring poetry from the Spanish speaking world.
Written and directed by Rose Cano
Featuring the talents of Erwin Galán, Carolynne Wilcox, Idalia Limón, Enrique Olguín, Maristela Díaz, Meg Savlov, Lonnie Tristan Renteria, Maureen Muñoz, Vladimir Pino, Esther Marion, Vanessa Villalobos, Francia Recalde, Alfredo Chávez and Rose Cano
Written and directed by Rose Cano
Featuring the talents of Erwin Galán, Carolynne Wilcox, Idalia Limón, Enrique Olguín, Maristela Díaz, Meg Savlov, Lonnie Tristan Renteria, Maureen Muñoz, Vladimir Pino, Esther Marion, Vanessa Villalobos, Francia Recalde, Alfredo Chávez and Rose Cano
SPANISH THEATRE, LITERATURE, MUSIC, AND FOOD
eSe Oro: Classics from the Golden Age of Spain with a Twist
To celebrate the culmination of 2013’s Hispanic History month, eSe Teatro invites audiences to take a historical, cultural journey through Spain’s “Edad de Oro” (Golden Age) via the medium of theatre, highlighting the original, classical texts as well as modern, Latinx adaptations of universal stories.
The works of Cervantes, Lope de Vega, Rojas, Cabeza de Vaca and others are showcased as the audience enjoys wine and cheese in a theatre transformed to the style of an old Taverna alongside eSe’s talented wenches, nobles, conquistadores and rebels, while experiencing a twist on select scenes from the great literature of 16th Century Spain, (English, Spanish and bilingual) interspersed with live Spanish music, including Flamenco, Sephardic and more.
Directed by Rose Cano
Music direction by Meg Savlov
Featuring the talents of Angela Maestas, Laurel Paxton, Fernando Cavallo, Christi Cruz, Javonna Arriaga, Istvan Rez, León Reines, Carolynne Wilcox, Miguel Morales and Benito Vásquez, Meg Savlov and Rose Cano
To celebrate the culmination of 2013’s Hispanic History month, eSe Teatro invites audiences to take a historical, cultural journey through Spain’s “Edad de Oro” (Golden Age) via the medium of theatre, highlighting the original, classical texts as well as modern, Latinx adaptations of universal stories.
The works of Cervantes, Lope de Vega, Rojas, Cabeza de Vaca and others are showcased as the audience enjoys wine and cheese in a theatre transformed to the style of an old Taverna alongside eSe’s talented wenches, nobles, conquistadores and rebels, while experiencing a twist on select scenes from the great literature of 16th Century Spain, (English, Spanish and bilingual) interspersed with live Spanish music, including Flamenco, Sephardic and more.
Directed by Rose Cano
Music direction by Meg Savlov
Featuring the talents of Angela Maestas, Laurel Paxton, Fernando Cavallo, Christi Cruz, Javonna Arriaga, Istvan Rez, León Reines, Carolynne Wilcox, Miguel Morales and Benito Vásquez, Meg Savlov and Rose Cano
2012
1st MAINSTAGE
Oedipus El Rey, by Luis Alfaro
Directed by Gisela Cárdenas
Featuring Maristela Díaz, Jovanna Arriaga, Fernando Cavallo, Erwin Galán and Rose Cano
"The relevance of doing a Greek tragedy in today’s reality of gangs and cycles of violence makes us examen the idea of destiny, fate and free choice in a different light. Do all civilizations ask these questions of themselves when violence erupts? I am fascinated when theatre puts us face to face with society. This is the reason we do theatre." – Rose Cano, Cast: Jocasta
Directed by Gisela Cárdenas
Featuring Maristela Díaz, Jovanna Arriaga, Fernando Cavallo, Erwin Galán and Rose Cano
"The relevance of doing a Greek tragedy in today’s reality of gangs and cycles of violence makes us examen the idea of destiny, fate and free choice in a different light. Do all civilizations ask these questions of themselves when violence erupts? I am fascinated when theatre puts us face to face with society. This is the reason we do theatre." – Rose Cano, Cast: Jocasta
SEMI-STAGED PRODUCTION
eSe Teatro and The Central Heating Lab at ACT present a staged reading of Electricidad by Luis Alfaro, directed by Rose Cano.
A Chicano take on the Greek tragedy Electra, Luis Alfaro’s Electricidad is a brutally modern adaptation of the classic revenge saga set within the gang culture of “el barrio”. Luís Alfaro’s eye-opening rendition situates the iconic characters in the present-day world of the “Cholo” where the South Side Locos are Kings, and Spanglish rules.
Electricidad is mourning her father’s body in her front yard, much to the dismay of the vecinos (neighbors) and her mother Clemencia, who was rumored to have plotted his murder in order to establish her power in the gang hierarchy. Clemencia has already banished her son Orestes to Las Vegas to prevent any retaliation. Electricidad defies her mother by her public mourning and calls for her brother Orestes to avenge their Papa’s death. “El Chisme”, the comical, bilingual chorus, gossips and tries to save their barrio from the inevitable cycle of violence.
Through our community outreach program, eSe Community/eSe Comunidad, eSe Teatro also presents a reading of Electricidad at the South Park Community Center as part of the Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative, with support from 4Culture and Seattle Parks & Recreation.
A Chicano take on the Greek tragedy Electra, Luis Alfaro’s Electricidad is a brutally modern adaptation of the classic revenge saga set within the gang culture of “el barrio”. Luís Alfaro’s eye-opening rendition situates the iconic characters in the present-day world of the “Cholo” where the South Side Locos are Kings, and Spanglish rules.
Electricidad is mourning her father’s body in her front yard, much to the dismay of the vecinos (neighbors) and her mother Clemencia, who was rumored to have plotted his murder in order to establish her power in the gang hierarchy. Clemencia has already banished her son Orestes to Las Vegas to prevent any retaliation. Electricidad defies her mother by her public mourning and calls for her brother Orestes to avenge their Papa’s death. “El Chisme”, the comical, bilingual chorus, gossips and tries to save their barrio from the inevitable cycle of violence.
Through our community outreach program, eSe Community/eSe Comunidad, eSe Teatro also presents a reading of Electricidad at the South Park Community Center as part of the Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative, with support from 4Culture and Seattle Parks & Recreation.
2011
STAGED READING
eSe Teatro and The Central Heating Lab at ACT presents a staged reading of Passport by Gustavo Ott, directed by Arlene Martínez-Vickers.
In this staged reading performed in Spanish/English, Eugene finds himself falsely imprisoned in a foreign country, surrounded by a language he can’t understand. His search for answers becomes a desperate journey to comprehend beyond language and cultural barriers.
Presented at ACT, and in Shoreline, Bothell and Burien.
In this staged reading performed in Spanish/English, Eugene finds himself falsely imprisoned in a foreign country, surrounded by a language he can’t understand. His search for answers becomes a desperate journey to comprehend beyond language and cultural barriers.
Presented at ACT, and in Shoreline, Bothell and Burien.
2010
INAUGURAL PRODUCTION
Presented at at Cornish College of the Arts, El último coconut is eSe's inaugural production.
A Chicano high-school student struggles with his cyber-identity as well as his “real” identity living within an a traditional and not-so traditional Mexican family structure. ”Coco” becomes enveloped in virtual as well as flesh and blood battles bordering on the surreal, waging war with his own demons and cultural icons. A “cyber-nerd” addicted to the Massive Multiplayer Role Playing Game called “World of Warcraft”, we see him embark on the confusing process of defining his sexual and Latino identity, amid family and school pressures. Constantly blogging to the audience, he shares his dilema and feelings to his trusted blogosphere. Living so close to the Mexican border only serves to magnify his inner border.
Gerald Alejandro Ford portrays all the characters in this one-person “cyber” comedy-drama. Video and still images projected on stage illuminate the virtual world of gaming and capture the feel of the Southwest. An array of poignant characters, ranging from the Mexican and Chicano family members to the over-the-top border patrols, are all personified by a versatile Ford using voice, body and witty dialogue.
Written and performed by Gerald Alejandro Ford
Directed by Rose Cano
A Chicano high-school student struggles with his cyber-identity as well as his “real” identity living within an a traditional and not-so traditional Mexican family structure. ”Coco” becomes enveloped in virtual as well as flesh and blood battles bordering on the surreal, waging war with his own demons and cultural icons. A “cyber-nerd” addicted to the Massive Multiplayer Role Playing Game called “World of Warcraft”, we see him embark on the confusing process of defining his sexual and Latino identity, amid family and school pressures. Constantly blogging to the audience, he shares his dilema and feelings to his trusted blogosphere. Living so close to the Mexican border only serves to magnify his inner border.
Gerald Alejandro Ford portrays all the characters in this one-person “cyber” comedy-drama. Video and still images projected on stage illuminate the virtual world of gaming and capture the feel of the Southwest. An array of poignant characters, ranging from the Mexican and Chicano family members to the over-the-top border patrols, are all personified by a versatile Ford using voice, body and witty dialogue.
Written and performed by Gerald Alejandro Ford
Directed by Rose Cano
STAGED READINGS
eSe Teatro presents a staged reading of Volver, Volver, Volver by Leonard Madrid, directed by Michael D. Blum, featuring a traditional Día de los Muertos altar and music by Consejo Counseling and Referral Services.
As part of our "Four Readings in Four Barrios," event, a reading of Passport, by Gustavo Ott, will also be presented.
In English and peppered with Spanish. Presented Rainier Valley.
Past newsletters
April 2018 February 2018 February 2018 January 2018
May 2017 May 2017 July 2017 July 2017 July 2017 July 2017 July 2017 September 2017
October 2017 November 2017 November 2017 December 2017
December 2016 October 2016
April 2018 February 2018 February 2018 January 2018
May 2017 May 2017 July 2017 July 2017 July 2017 July 2017 July 2017 September 2017
October 2017 November 2017 November 2017 December 2017
December 2016 October 2016
eSe in the News and on the Web
- A review of Two Big Black Bags by Chase D. Anderson - NWTheatre, 2023
- A review of Two Big Black Bags by Juliana Agudelo Ariza - TeenTix Blog, 2023
- A review of Fermín's Great Book of Dreams by Joann Farías, 2021
- Interview with Playwright Julieta Vitullo about Two Big Black Bags - NWTheatre, 2019
- "Production company eSe Teatro presents 'MUD (Barro)', a play about poverty, survival and dignity" - Real Change, 2017
- "Director makes theater play easily accessible to Pioneer Square shelters" - Seattle Times, 2017
- "I Had a Profound Theatrical Experience at a Talkback, of All Things" - The Stranger, 2017
- "Art Talk with Theatre Artist Rose Cano" - NEA Arts Works Blog, 2016
- "Visions and Voices. Latinx theatre as we know it in the U.S. is only half a century old, but its roots are deep and its future boundless" - American Theatre, 2016
- Bernie's Apt., review - Drama in the Hood, 2016
- Bernie's Apt., review - Seattle Times, 2016
- Bernie's Apt., review - The Stranger, 2016
- Interview with Rose Cano on Bernie's Apt. - Theatrical Mustang Podcast, 2016
- "Seattle's eSe Teatro. An Avant-Garde for the Undocumented"- HowlRound, 2015
- "Found in Translation" - Real Change, 2014
- "Rose Cano Crosses Language Barriers To Bring Theatre To The People" - KUOW, 2013
- Oedipus El Rey, review - Seattle Times, 2012
eSe was founded in 2010.
Are you looking for something older not covered here?
Check out eSe's old blog!
Are you looking for something older not covered here?
Check out eSe's old blog!