Does preserving one’s stories and culture still matter?

The way of life, the traditions and the expressions of a society determine its culture. Culture is not only the accumulation of our customs, norms and traditions, but also the creativity and inventiveness by which we define and develop our humanity. If a culture is to survive, the society wherein it finds expression must work hard to maintain its identity.  This becomes even more important when living in such a diverse country as the United States where cultures and histories often blend and transform into something new.  The United States is a wonderful experiment that continues to change and morph in ways that highlights the many cultures and influences that have always been at the core of its existence.

At the intersection of differing customs, codes, norms, traditions, visions, and values is a dynamic place full of complexity, opportunity, challenge, and, at times, frustration.

There is a lot of noise and fear in this country at present.

That is to be expected when things change, and many things have and will continue to change.  Our world is getting smaller; our communities look, feel, sound, and work differently.  At such a time it is easy to feel disoriented and lose your sense of identity and purpose.

The arts and humanities play a crucial role in telling the many stories that need to be told and preserved.  Unfortunately, I fear we are forfeiting our sense of creativity and becoming culturally bankrupt. At the same time that technologies are connecting the globe in ways unimaginable a generation ago, we have become disconnected from ourselves, our stories, our languages, and our histories.

It is sad to see the very things that celebrate and preserve our essence and identity—music, dance, literature, art—disregarded by so many. As an advocate for the arts and humanities here in North Carolina through Artist Studio Project and The El Quixote Festival, we try to provide platforms for expression, learning, creating, and engagement, as well as opportunities to share the stories that would otherwise go untold. We collaborate with others in order to create experiences for our North Carolina community that allow us to learn more about each other; those of us that have been here for decades as well as those who are still unpacking moving boxes. In my view, it is the telling and hearing of stories that empowers us to meet the challenges that all of us face each day.

As someone fighting to preserve and tell these important and still relevant stories, it concerns me that although we create and produce high quality events and programming that are accessible to all, too often attendance is very low. I was told recently that events that are free and open to the general public have no value. While I am saddened by this perspective, I take heart because I know it is not true.

I can list all of the internationally recognized authors, actors, performers, musicians, directors, and artists that we have featured as well as a long and impressive list of co-sponsors and collaborators, but I don’t know if it will make any difference.

“In the end, it is each of us who decides whether culture is worthy of preservation. We must choose if we want our children to inherit these stories and histories—so that, in time, they too may add their own chapter.”

Ever the optimist I will continue to dream big, I hope you will join us as we celebrate another year of artistic excellence in North Carolina. We will continue to advocate for the arts and humanities and to provide spaces for our cultures to be shared.

“If thou are not versed in the business of adventure… get thee aside and pray… whilst I engage these giants in combat…” (Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra)

Rafael A. Osuba
I am Quixote!

You can find out more about our 4th Annual El Quixote Festival here: https://iamquixote.com/year-category/fourth-annual-jose-marti/

The COR Museum and M.T. Pope House Museum in collaboration with Artist Studio Project invite you to an afternoon filled with music, art and friendship. This family friendly event forms part of the 4th Annual El Quixote Festival honoring José Martí.

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2018 1-4 PM
City of Raleigh Museum Downtown Raleigh NC

220 Fayetteville St. Raleigh, NC 27601

Directions: 220 Fayetteville St Raleigh, NC 27601

• Please note: this event takes place during the 25th Anniversary of La Fiesta Del Pueblo Street Festival!

In the spirit of friendship inspired by the words of JOSÉ MARTÍ “I cultivate a white rose”.

I Cultivate a White Rose
By JOSÉ MARTÍ

I cultivate a white rose
In July as in January
For the sincere friend
Who gives me his hand frankly.

And for the cruel person who tears out
the heart with which I live,
I cultivate neither nettles nor thorns:
I cultivate a white rose.

Cultivo una rosa blanca
Por:JOSÉ MARTÍ

Cultivo una rosa blanca
en junio como enero
para el amigo sincero
que me da su mano franca.

Y para el cruel que me arranca
el corazón con que vivo,
cardo ni ortiga cultivo;
cultivo la rosa blanca.

Program includes:

• Craft table for the whole family with Visual Artist “Luis Mackinney” 1 – 4 pm
  Come make large Roses and Marigolds and other crafts.
• Venezuelan Folk Jazz Group “Esencia Venezolana” 1:00 – 2:15 PM
• Chilean Trovador “Carlos Salvo” 2:30 – 3:45 PM

STORYTELLING

ARTS DISCOVERY EDUCATIONAL SERIES in Collaboration with Artist Studio Project PRESENTS:

Three Films : Carolina Theatre Durham

CHATARRA, ALTO EL JUEGO AND SELKIRK EL VERDADERO ROBINSON CRUSOE

October 2, 2018

ABOUT: ARTS DISCOVERY EDUCATIONAL SERIES

Each year, The Carolina Theatre presents performances designed to complement classroom curriculum, giving educators an exciting way to reinforce lesson plans.

Their goal is to help engage students through captivating on-stage performances and film presentations that connect with students and foster learning.

Vision: To establish the Carolina Theatre as a field trip destination for arts education and community engagement programming.

Education Goals:
Provide a welcoming environment that is accessible to all segments of the community.
Enhance teacher awareness of the arts as an effective medium for cultivating student appreciation of creative expression, academic learning, and artistic discipline.
Create programs to promote arts integration to meet curriculum goals.
Promote the arts as a vehicle for greater understanding and respect for all.
Collaborate with arts and educational institutions and community organizations to bring the rich educational experiences, drawing upon the full spectrum of arts presented by the Carolina Theatre.

ARTS DISCOVERY EDUCATIONAL SERIES PRESENTS:

RIO MIRA

Presented In Collaboration with The Arts Center, Artist Studio Project & El Centro Hispano Of Durham

Monday, October 15, 2018 | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Cultural & Community Engagement Experience through Music

Join us at the El Centro Hispano of Durham Monday October 15, 2018 as we celebrate the last day of Hispanic Heritage Month with a very intimate musical cultural experience.  Learn about the roots, history and music of this wonderful, talented, spiritual group.

El Centro Hispano is located at: 2000 Chapel Hill Rd #26a, Durham, NC 27707

About: Rio Mira is a group of Colombian and Ecuadorian musicians whose music ranges from Latin dance songs to “Aguarcerito,” an
A cappella piece with strong high notes and a haunting melody. They are known for revitalizing the music of African slaves using two marimbas, a xylophone-like instrument, and drums and shakers along with call-and-response vocals and harmonies.
This engagement of Rio Mira is made possible through Southern Exposure: Performing Arts of Latin America, a program of Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.  Music, History, Geography, World Languages

This cultural experience forms part of the 4^th Annual El Quixote Festival – Jose Marti

ARTE EDUCATIVO DISCOVERY SERIE PRESENTA:
RIO MIRA
Presentado en colaboración con: The Arts Center, Artist Studio Project y El Centro Hispano De Durham
Lunes 15 de octubre de 2018 | 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Experiencia de participación cultural y comunitaria a través de la música.

Unirse a nosotros en El Centro Hispano de Durham lunes 15 octubre, 2018 mientras celebramos el último día del mes de la herencia hispana con una experiencia cultural musical muy íntima. Aprende acerca de las raíces, la historia y la música de este grupo maravilloso, con talento, espiritual.

El Centro Hispano está ubicado en: 2000 Chapel Hill Rd # 26a, Durham, NC 27707

Acerca de Rio Mira: es un grupo de músicos colombianos y ecuatorianos cuya música va desde canciones de bailes latinos hasta “Aguarcerito”, una pieza a capela con fuertes notas altas y una melodía inquietante. Son conocidos por revitalizar la música de los esclavos africanos con dos marimbas, un instrumento similar al xilófono, y tambores y agitadores, junto con voces y armonías de llamada y respuesta.

Este compromiso de Rio Mira es posible gracias a el Southern Exposure: Performing Arts of Latin America, un programa de Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation en asociación con el National Endowment for the Arts.  Música, Historia, Geografía, Idiomas del Mundo.

Esta experiencia cultural forma parte del 4° Festival Anual de El Quijote – José Martí.

Hosted by: Elon Fund for Excellence, All Things in Spanish at Elon University and the Department of World Languages and Cultures at Elon University

What: EFE Tres Teatro – El Merolico
When: Monday, October 15, 2018
Time: 7:30 PM – 9 PM
Where: McKinnon. Elon University
105 W Haggard Ave, Elon, NC 27244

Cost: Free/Gratis General Seating

El Merolico – a reworking of Cervantes’ comic interludes

Cutting-edge Mexican company EFE TRES will present El Merolico (The Mountebank), a reworking of Cervantes’ comic interludes as delivered by a single traveling performer in small-town in Mexico.

La empresa Mexicana de vanguardia EFE TRES presentará La obra  “El Merolico”,  unos entremeses de Cervantes, interpretados por un solo actor que hace todos los papeles. Es una maravilla. No se lo pierdan!

“El retablo” y “La cueva de Salamanca.”

About: The Merolico is a street merchant along the lines of a fortuneteller or medieval quack. He is a hustler who came to have a particular style in Mexico that is not seen in any other part of the world. Condemned to a solitary existence and eternal exile, the “Merolico” is relegated to the sidelines where he observes and reflects on human nature. No matter what his mood is, each day he has to face a new audience that awaits his best performance.

El Merolico interprets the stories told in the following entremeses by Miguel de Cervantes:

• El retablo de las maravillas – Chirinos and Chanfalla are always looking for a new way to trick people. Their new joke is to make people think they see “marvelous things” on their small, traveling puppet stage when, in fact, there is nothing there.
• La cueva de Salamanca – Leonarda and her maid, Cristina, have affairs with the town’s barber and sacrist respectively. Then, they try to deceive Leonarda’s husband, Celindo. (Source: NPS.GOV)

Efe Tres Teatro

Efe Tres Teatro was formed 2012 by a group of performing artists coming together to playfully demonstrate that the classics, especially those of the baroque era, still have much to show us. Up to this point, their style has been to revive the ñaque style of theater in which a pair of actors during the Spanish Golden Age would play all of the parts of a complete work of theater. They seek to appeal to the spectator’s sense of fantasy, leaning toward theatricality and giving more importance to the imagination than a realistic portrayal. Based on these notions, they and each audience member create a unique world together.

Compañía conformada en 2012 por un equipo de artistas escénicos que se reúnen con el afán de mostrar de una forma
lúdica que los clásicos, sobre todo de la época barroca, aún tienen mucho que decirnos. Hasta ahora sus montajes rescatan el estilo del ñaque: pareja de actores que durante los Siglos de Oro en España representaban a todos los personajes de una obra teatral. Buscan apelar a la fantasía del público apostando siempre por la teatralidad y dando más importancia a la imaginación que al realismo ilustrativo. A partir de estas ideas, en cada función, crean un universo único junto con cada espectador.

Vean un poco aquí…

Sponsored by: School of Arts & Humanities and the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures at Meredith College, Explosion 106.7 and Artist Studio Project.

What: EFE Tres Teatro – El Merolico
When: Wednesday, October 17, 2018
Time: 7:30 PM – 9 PM
Where: Jones Chapel at Meredith College
3800 Hillsborough Street | Raleigh, NC 27607

Cost: Free/Gratis General Seating

El Merolico – a reworking of Cervantes’ comic interludes

Cutting-edge Mexican company EFE TRES will present El Merolico (The Mountebank), a reworking of Cervantes’ comic interludes as delivered by a single traveling performer in small-town in Mexico.

La empresa Mexicana de vanguardia EFE TRES presentará La obra  “El Merolico”,  unos entremeses de Cervantes, interpretados por un solo actor que hace todos los papeles. Es una maravilla. No se lo pierdan!

“El retablo” y “La cueva de Salamanca.”

About: The Merolico is a street merchant along the lines of a fortuneteller or medieval quack. He is a hustler who came to have a particular style in Mexico that is not seen in any other part of the world. Condemned to a solitary existence and eternal exile, the “Merolico” is relegated to the sidelines where he observes and reflects on human nature. No matter what his mood is, each day he has to face a new audience that awaits his best performance.

El Merolico interprets the stories told in the following entremeses by Miguel de Cervantes:

• El retablo de las maravillas – Chirinos and Chanfalla are always looking for a new way to trick people. Their new joke is to make people think they see “marvelous things” on their small, traveling puppet stage when, in fact, there is nothing there.
• La cueva de Salamanca – Leonarda and her maid, Cristina, have affairs with the town’s barber and sacrist respectively. Then, they try to deceive Leonarda’s husband, Celindo. (Source: NPS.GOV)

Efe Tres Teatro

Efe Tres Teatro was formed 2012 by a group of performing artists coming together to playfully demonstrate that the classics, especially those of the baroque era, still have much to show us. Up to this point, their style has been to revive the ñaque style of theater in which a pair of actors during the Spanish Golden Age would play all of the parts of a complete work of theater. They seek to appeal to the spectator’s sense of fantasy, leaning toward theatricality and giving more importance to the imagination than a realistic portrayal. Based on these notions, they and each audience member create a unique world together.

Compañía conformada en 2012 por un equipo de artistas escénicos que se reúnen con el afán de mostrar de una forma
lúdica que los clásicos, sobre todo de la época barroca, aún tienen mucho que decirnos. Hasta ahora sus montajes rescatan el estilo del ñaque: pareja de actores que durante los Siglos de Oro en España representaban a todos los personajes de una obra teatral. Buscan apelar a la fantasía del público apostando siempre por la teatralidad y dando más importancia a la imaginación que al realismo ilustrativo. A partir de estas ideas, en cada función, crean un universo único junto con cada espectador.

Vean un poco aquí…

OCTOBER 24, 2018

Grupo los Morales

Sponsored by the Center for Latino Studies in partnership with Artist Studio Project

Ketner Auditorium, Sykes Building

7:30 p.m.

FREE AND OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC

Since 2004, Grupo Los Morales has focused on interpreting the great successes of International Latin American Music. To date, the group has a repertory of more than 300 songs assuring that no two shows are just alike. Grupo los Morales has performed at many public and private events and at many locations in the Carolinas. With 6 recordings and appearances on radio, film and television, Grupo los Morales represents well Latin American roots. Members include Jesús Morales, Erick Ray and Alberto Morales.

www.GrupoLosMorales.com