Renowned Uruguayan playwright Sergio Blanco is set to return to Miami for two special theatrical events as part of Arca Images’ 25th anniversary season.
Arca Images, a leading Hispanic theater company in South Florida, will feature Blanco’s work with the Miami premiere of Kassandra from October 16 to 19 and again on October 25 and 26 at the Westchester Cultural Arts Center.
This collaboration, produced in partnership with the Center, Roxy Theater Group, and Miami-Dade County Auditorium, will offer performances accessible to both English and Spanish-speaking audiences, employing a unique blend of languages and expressions.
Kassandra is a compelling reinterpretation of the classic Greek myth that portrays the legendary prophetess Kassandra as a transgender immigrant facing the hardships of life on society’s fringes.
The play, directed by Carlos Celdrán, a seasoned collaborator with Arca and a distinguished Cuban-Spanish director based in Miami, presents Kassandra selling contraband goods while narrating her personal struggles and experiences of displacement, closely aligned with the challenges faced by many modern migrants.
In Kassandra, the character demystifies her myth and draws parallels between ancient Troy and contemporary issues of warfare, exile, and the shifting landscapes of power.
Blanco emphasizes that the play serves as a ‘masquerade ball’ exploring themes of violence silenced by societal exclusion.
Additionally, audience members can look forward to the U.S. premiere of Blanco’s one-person show, Memento Mori, which he will perform himself at Westchester on Thursday, October 23, and Friday, October 24.
Memento Mori, translating to ‘or the celebration of death’, sees Blanco reflecting on life and death, tackling what connects humanity in the face of mortality.
The performance will incorporate unique backgrounds created by Uruguayan photographer Matilde Campodónico and will be conducted in Spanish with English translation provided simultaneously.
Blanco expressed his excitement about debuting both plays in Miami and participating in person, calling it an honor.
Alexa Kuve, the Executive and Artistic Director of Arca Images, remarked on the significance of showcasing these thought-provoking productions, stating they reinforce Miami’s status as a dynamic hub for innovative international theater.
Arca Images has a longstanding tradition of presenting quality Latino theater that resonates with the city’s diverse population.
Utilizing the state-of-the-art wireless headphone system for simultaneous translation, Kassandra will be performed in ‘broken English’ to accommodate bilingual viewers, while Memento Mori will utilize the reverse approach.
Charles Sothers, the founder and Artistic Director of Roxy Theater Group, expressed enthusiasm about continuing their partnership with Arca Images for a second season of world-class Hispanic theater.
Sergio Blanco has made a name for himself as a playwright and director in Paris, with his works performed in numerous countries and translated into over fifteen languages.
His efforts have earned him accolades, including two Off West End Theatre Awards in London.
Carlos Celdrán, the director of Kassandra, is an acclaimed Cuban writer and director who has received Cuba’s National Theater Award and founded the prestigious Argos Theater company in Havana.
The production of Kassandra in Miami stars actress Ysmercy Salomón, contributing to the rich fabric of performance art in the city.
The excitement surrounding Blanco’s return and the dual premieres promises to invigorate Miami’s vibrant theater scene, making it a significant event for both local and international audiences.
image source from：broadwayworld
