Dominizuelans: gearing-up to be comedy bosses

Watch out world Wendy Mateo and Lori Diaz, the masterminds of Tall Hispanic-Short Hispanic Productions, have grand plans, "Latina comedians...we want to be the boss of it and more." With roots in New York and Florida, the pair moved to Chicago and made their Windy City debut last summer as Dominizuelans, the pen name they coined when writing their show, People in the City--a production that has earned raving reviews and is up for a second run that will open on New Years eve and run through the end of February 2010.

Proyecto Latina correspondent, Ericka Sanchez, recently caught up with Wendy and Lori and talked about their work and creative process. Listen to that conversation below

Wendy & Lori 1: The path to doing what you love. (3:50)


Wendy & Lori 2: Creative Boundries: The risks of writing about friends and family...and yourself? (2:49)


Wendy & Lori 3: Smiling faces and cultural lessons (4:22)


Wendy & Lori 4: Future plans: a production company and a new play (5:05)


Interview and photo by Ericka Sanchez

Gratitude Y Gobble Gobble

It’s that time of year again of turkeys, the smell of pumpkin pie and spending time with family and friends. Before the hustle and bustle of the holidays begins and gets the best of us we wanted to “dar gracias” to our Proyecto Latina family.

This year Proyecto Latina has grown and I can’t help but feel such AWE and inspiration when I think back at all the amazing Latinas that have been featured, participated in the open mic or simply came to enjoy.

As we continue to build community in the arts and beyond we thank you for supporting our monthly reading series or for simply stopping in and checking out some of the interviews we’ve done and spreading the word. This year we worked really hard to bring you relevant and useful content on Latinas impacting our community. Next year we plan to bring you more exciting programming at our reading series as well as expanded online content. In December we will be sharing a sneak peek of what we’ve got lined up in 2010.

In the spirit of reflection we’d love to know what you’re thankful for this Thanksgiving season?

I also asked Proyecto Latina correspondent Yolanda Cardenas what she was thankful for and she said "new artistic collaborations, her amazing family and American healthcare reform".

Lastly, we wish you and your family a safe and fabulous Thanksgiving!

Abrazos,

Diana Pando & The Proyecto Latina Team!

Creativity, Celebration & Beer With Ellen Wadey

Proyecto Latina wanted to take a moment to thank Ellen Wadey for all of her hard work over at the Guild Complex. She has always been a wonderful supporter of emerging poets and writers including our own artistic endeavors.

Ellen will be stepping down from the Guild Complex in December. We are sad to see her go but we are super excited that she will be focusing on her own creative pursuits! In honor of Ellen we’d like to extend an invitation to our Proyecto Latina family to come out for a special creative celebration for Ellen as she embarks on her creative journey. We hope to see you there!

Bon Voyage, Ellen Wadey

Saturday, December 5, 2009

California Clipper, 1002 N. California (California & Augusta)

7:00 p.m. doors open. Reading begins @ 7:30 p.m.

One Poem/Short Fiction Festival featuring poets and writers who mark specific moments from Ellen's tenure @ the Guild Complex.

Free admission. Donations to the Guild Complex much appreciated.

The party will be a "One Poem" event of outstanding writers who have been closely involved with the Guild Complex over Ellen's tenure. The evening will feature: Paul Martinez-Pompa, Kimberly Dixon, Tricia Hersey, Lisa Alvarado, Erin Teegarden, Irasema Gonzalez, Toni Asante Lightfoot, Susan Messer, Diana Pando, Stephanie Gentry-Fernandez, Johanny Vazquez Paz and Gretchen Kalwinski.

For nearly eight years, Ellen Wadey has been the voice, and the heart, of the Guild Complex. At the beginning of 2009, Ellen gave notice that she wanted to spend more time on her own writing and that this would be her last year as Executive Director. Her last day will be December 31.

November Lunacy

If we didn't know better we'd say there is a full moon out! This week kicks off Teatro Luna's full remount of LUNATIC(A)S - "We'll Show You Crazy!" The insanity returns with new stories and more musical numbers.

"We are so excited to be revisiting this piece...this play is quintessentially Luna, it tackles our namesake, The Moon (La Luna) and places our true-life stories in the context of myths and superstitions about women, Latinas and the moon," says Director Tanya Saracho.













Featuring some of your favorite Ensemble Members: Belinda Cervantes (Machos, S-e-x-Oh!) Maritza Cervantes (Machos, S-e-x-Oh!) Yadira Correa (Machos, S-e-x-Oh!, Jarred) Miranda Gonzalez (SîLO Tœ, Jarred) Suzette Mayobre (S-e-x-Oh!, SîLO Tœ) with Artistic Associate Maria Enriquez (S-e-x-Oh!: The Remix) and New Lunaticas Christina Nieves (S-e-x-Oh!: The Remix, The House on Mango Street), and Mari Stratton (The House on Mango Street)

For reservations / performance dates and times visit Teatro Luna
















Photography by Johnny Knight

Proyecto Latina welcomes Stitch y Bitch

This month Proyecto Latina features Thelma Uranga, founder of Pilsen's Stitch y Bitch and an enthusiastic knitter that's building community while cranking out scarves and hats. Knitting / crocheters are encouraged to bring their projects to work on and/or donate a swatch for the Stitch y Bitch projects: a knit piñata and/or knit graffiti. As always we will have an open mic and the chisme box.

A few weeks ago we interviewed Thelma Uranga about the Stitch y Bitch. Listen to her interview.

Monday, November 16 @ 7PM
Proyecto Latina Reading Series - FREE!
Radio Arte
1401 W. 18th Street
http://www.mapquest.com
#18th St./60 Blue Island Bus Blue Line 18th St. stop

El stitch y bitch was recently invited to present at Pecha Kucha Champaign-Urbana. Pecha Kucha is an international event in which creatives are invited to present their media in six minutes and forty seconds: 20 slides, 20 seconds per slide. El stitch y bitch’s presentation deals with the idea of knitting in communities and on them. For this Proyecto Latina night el stitch y bitch will re-play their PK presentation. El Stitch y Bitch is a culturally diverse knitting group created by Thelma Uranga & Stephanie Manriquez. Together they envisioned bringing a space to the Pilsen neighborhood where people of all backgrounds could come together and knit, drink coffee, bitch, learn from each other and indulge in lots and lots of colorful yarn. Since then, knitting in coffee shops, galleries, parks and the occasional knit graffiti have become the norm for this group of knitters, hookers and crafters.

Thank you to our community partner Radio Arte 90.5 FM for hosting us!

Women of Júarez: A conversation w/ exhibit curator, Linda Tortolero

Women of Júarez: Rastros y Crónicas an art exhibit at the National Museum of Mexican Art is now open, it reminds us that what happens to one of us can happen to all of us. Ericka Sanchez and Diana Pando have interviewed a few folks, including curators and visitors, about the powerful and reflective exhibit. This is part one of the Women of Juarez exhibit. Women of Júarez: Rastros y Crónicas an art exhibit at the National Museum of Mexican Art is now open, it remnds us that what happens to one of us can happen to all of us. Ericka Sanchez and Diana Pando have interviewed a few folks, including curators and visitors about the powerful and reflective exhibit.

This is part one of the Women of Júarez exhibit. Since 1993 to the present hundreds of young women and girls have gone missing in the city of Júarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. Their raped and mutilated bodies often turn up in the desert, in vacant lots and drainage ditches and their killer(s) never brought to justice.

Broken Dreams / Los sueños rotos, 2009 mixed media on canvas by Rocio Caballero

After viewing the exhibit Diana Pando reached out to one of the curators, Linda Tortolero, to discuss the importance of this exhibit and here is what she had to say:

D: Why do you feel the Women of Júarez is an important story to tell through the arts and what do you want the impact to be for the viewer, the artist and ultimately the women of Júarez?

L: We hope that visitors to the exhibition learn about the femicide in Júarez and the underlying struggles of women in Mexico. We want to motivate the audience to take action and to acknowledge the inequalities that women face around the world. In addition, it’s important to educate visitors that art is a powerful medium by which artists and museums educate the public about important socio-economic issues. Mexico and Mexican and Mexican American artists have a long and proud tradition of reflecting on societal conditions through art. I think that for artists the creation of work is an expression of what moves them, what is important to them and what they want others to learn or know or feel. Undoubtedly, the participating artists felt greatly about the subject and the overarching challenges that women in Juarez and Mexico face. In addition, the pieces in the exhibition demonstrate the thought and reflection that the artists had and carry with them throughout the creative process.

D: How has this exhibit changed you?

L: I think the exhibition has heightened my awareness about the challenges women face especially low-income women in Juarez and Mexico. I am reminded of how fortunate I am and that the death and disappearance of every woman is a separate and unique story of tragedy and that their families and friends deserve justice.

Additionally, the power of art is truly overwhelming and when Dolores and I selected the pieces I recall how moved I was when I saw the proposed pieces. As I walk around the gallery and observe the visitors, I feel the same sensation vicariously and I am reassured when I notice how they react strongly to the pieces with feelings of sadness, shock, enragement and curiosity about the subject.

D: What does this femicide in Júarez tell you about the global escalation of violence against women?

L: Femicide and violence against women is sadly prevalent throughout the world. The negative portrayals of women, the lack of educational and entrepreneurial opportunities for women and the denial of the existing gender inequality have perpetuated the grievous acts of violence against women. I think that many societies and governments have failed to have honest discussions about the challenges that women face, and then also fail to take decisive, meaningful actions and create policies and adopt effective strategies to end gender inequality. Once women are respected as equals and allowed the opportunities to succeed, I believe that violence against women will diminish. Moreover, women will be empowered to fight back and challenge existing systems that work to talk away their rights and subject them to a lesser socio-economic and political status.

D: What can we do to help stop the femicide in Júarez?

L: Education about the issue is key. In order to end violence against women, education about gender inequality and how to prevent violence in families and communities is absolutely necessary. Children and youth must learn at a young age that women and men are equal and understand the damaging effects violence has in the lives of many. Furthermore, Mexico needs a modern, effective judicial system and law enforcement departments at every level of government, free of corruption and with adequate compensation, that can properly investigate and prosecute crimes.

Community Partners - Mil Gracias!

Proyecto Latina wants to take a moment to thank some amazing community partners that have supported us along the way. Our newest community partner includes the Chicago Foundation for Women's Latina Leadership Council. All of these organizations are impacting our communities. We encourage you to go to their websites and support the wonderful work they do year round.
If you interested in becoming a community partner shoot us an email for details info@proyectolatina.org

Latina Teens At High Risk For Suicide

A new report that has just come out from Washington University in New York city reports that Latina teens have a high risk of suicide. Some of the characteristics that lead these at risk teens from depression include: mother/daughter conflicts, immigrants and low-income families. According to the 2007 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey of high school students 14% of Latina students attempt suicide.

Here is a link to a CNN article about Latina teens and suicide.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/10/20/lia.latina.suicides/index.html

If you or a someone you know is depressed or talking about suicide get help immediately. Here are some online resources. Feel free to post other resources in the comment section. The more resource sharing we do the more educated we can become on this matter that is impacting the Latina community.

Center for Mental Health Services

http://www.mentalhealth.org

Suicide Prevention Resource Center

Depression.com

Mental Health Association of Greater Chicago

Community Counseling Services of Chicago

Note: The above photo is courtesy of Health Spa Blog

Proyecto Latina - Featuring Teatro Americano

This month Proyecto Latina is thrilled to present the ladies of Teatro Americano. They will be performing sections of the 2010 production of Meet Juan(ito) Doe.

Proyecto Latina Reading series

Monday, October 19 @7PM-FREE

Radio Arte

1401 W. 18th Street

Chicago, IL

http://www.mapquest.com

Street Parking

18th Street Bus/ 60 Blue Island Bus/Pink line 18th St. stop

“I had the opportunity to meet Alejandra and Zulema about five-years ago when they were still in high school and I’m excited to say that these ladies are ones to watch. The ladies of this production are the next generation of Latinas in the arts”. –Diana Pando

Meet the ladies of Meet Juan(ito) Doe:

Alejandra Garcia

codename: Skinny Brown

Is a an actress, collaborator, and writer with Teatro Americano. She is a creator and actress in the ensemble's SALUD teatronovelas Fronteras del Amor and Los Aires de Mañana. She is looking forward to performing in Meet Juan(ito) Doe in 2010. This past summer, she traveled to the mountain town Tamaula in Guanajuato, Mexico supported by a MacArthur International Connections Grant to use theatre for community development. A graduate of Big Picture High School and frequent volunteer with Latinos Progresando, Alejandra is dedicated to the progress of Chicago's Latinos. She is eager to begin pursuing a career in the arts and dance in 2010.

Veronika Miranda

codename: Osa Picosa

Miranda is many things: actress, artist, photographer, writer, partygirl, etc. Graduating from Queen of Peace High School, she is a good bad girl from Chicago's Southside. A member of Teatro Americano's youth and young adult ensemble, she is an original collaborator and performer of Fronteras del Amor and looking forward to Meet Juan(ito) Doe. In Summer 2009, she traveled with Teatro Americano to rural Mexico supported by a MacArthur Chicago International Connections grant to use theater for community development and create new work. She currently works at a factory alongside her gente and enjoys very much her cigarette breaks. She is extremely grateful for coffee, family, friends, and Ricardo Gamboa (of course).

Zulema Ortiz

codename: Juice-ema

Migrating from Mexico, Zulema found new home in Chicago's Back of the Yards neighborhood. She is an actress, collaborator, and writer with Teatro Americano's youth and young adult ensemble. Dedicated to the progress of her community beyond the stage, Zulema has been active in organizing around issues of immigration. A former undocumented student, Zulema is intimate with the difficulties confronting immigrant youth and their pursuit of higher education and is currently active in DREAM Act advocacy. She is also a Teatro Americano educator at Rosario Castellanos Elementary. She is a graduate of Big Picture High School and 2009 winner of the Sor Juana Award. She can be seen in Teatro Americano's Fronteras del Amor and later next year in Meet Juan(ito) Doe.

Special THANK YOU to our community partner Radio Arte 90.5FM

Jenny Priego: Adelita Pata de Perro @ Pilsen Open Studios 2009

Jennifer Priego will exhibit select pieces from her ongoing project Adelita Pata de Perro at this years Pilsen Open Studios, you can find her at Antena throughout the weekend.

WHAT: 18th St. Pilsen Open Studios 2009
WHEN: Sat. & Sun. Oct. 17-18, 2009. Noon - 8pm
WHERE: ANTENA, 1765 S. Laflin St.

We spoke to Jenny about a year ago, listen to what she had to say about Adelita Pata de Perro and her art process.


Jenny Priego (12:29)


Jenny Priego is visual and performance artist who draws inspiration from her existence as a feminine being and random beauty. She uses several forms of media to interpret her self exploration, such as technology, her body, voice, and formal fine art technique. Her latest and ongoing project is "Adelita Pata de Perro" a photographic journal of Adelita, a character that was inspired by the women who fought in the Mexican Revolution. Priego's Adelita is a hyper-ethnic woman wandering the world on an ever changing journey, and on her voyage of discovery she encounters symbols of power, femininity, sex, and cultural imagery. She finds herself in different situations and places that take her from Paris, to Rome and sugar cane mills in Mexico. Priego studied at Columbia College and currently works as a Stewardess.

Interview by Irasema Gonzalez

Meet the Latina Leadership Council Co-Chairs

This month I had the opportunity to interview the co-chairs of the Chicago Foundation For Women's Latina Leadership Council. These ladies are on the move impacting our community. This Friday, October 16^th they will be having an evening of theatre and reception for their annual fall event to raise funds for Latina women and girls. Above is a photo of Silvia Rivera on the left, center Dolores Huerta and Lilliana De Santiago. Here is what they had to say about philanthropy, leadership and the work the Latina Leadership Council is doing:

Diana Pando: What is the Latina Leadership Council and how is it impacting Latina women and girls in Chicago?

Lilliana De Santiago: The LLC is a network of women committed to improving the lives of Latina women and girls in the Chicago area. Each woman who joins the council is a volunteer and comes from a variety of professional backgrounds. Our work within the LLC is to raise awareness of the issues impacting the Latina community and find the resources to support those organizations that are doing great work to address them. Our main goal is to raise funds by encouraging our peers, family and colleagues to participate actively in philanthropy.

Diana Pando: How did both you and Silvia get interested in philanthropy?

Lilliana De Santiago: I became interested in philanthropy through my desire to have a much more global and at substantial impact on the communities and causes that I am passionate about. I volunteer as often as I can, but that can often be limited by life. I find that by giving and educating others about causes and encouraging them to give is incredibly fulfilling and I am often able to do much more with those dollars than I can at times with my own hands.

Silvia Rivera: My parents were ones who never hesitated in giving, if it wasn't financially, it was by offering their home, food, or helping hand. I think that the example they set for me, is one that most Latinos live by. We are philanthropists by culture. As a young adult these cultural values were strengthened through my involvement with the National Museum of Mexican Art. Working for a Latino-led cultural institution inculcated in me the importance of supporting and strengthening the cornerstones of our community.

Diana Pando: How has being on the Latina Leadership Council impacted both you?

Lilliana De Santiago: Being on the LLC has helped me to connect with a strong network of passionate Latina women and also has given me confidence in my own personal strength. It is a truly a blessing to be among women who have so much life and passion. These women make things happen in their lives, but are humble and caring and will go out of their way to help their community. It has been a very positive experience.

Silvia Rivera: I have made it a life's mission to connect with those women that inspire me and to inspire others. There is an indescribable sense of pride that I feel whenever I am surrounded by the women of the Latina Leadership Council. These are women that have triumphed over a variety of life's challenges, and are a constant reminder that wise Latinas are all around us.

Diana Pando: How is the money you raise at your benefit be used? Who are past recipients?

Lilliana De Santiago: The LLC takes the funds that it raises and conducts yearly grant making efforts to support community organizations. Our past grantees have included:

Mujeres Latina en Accion,Pilsen Alliance,Centro Romero,Centro San Bonifacio,

Teatro Luna

Diana Pando: What have you learned about yourself and others from being on the council?

Lilliana De Santiago: There are many things that I have learned as a member of the council and my involvement with the foundation. My sense of commitment to a cause has grown as well as my sense of social reasonability. I truly feel that I am making a difference working with and committing myself to the LLC.

Silvia Rivera: Being on the council has strengthened my belief that Latina’s should be the driver's of this generations political, cultural, and social agendas. There is no doubt in my mind that Latina’s have the talent and the know-how needed to change our society for the better.

Diana Pando: Who are the other women on the council?

Lilliana De Santiago: The Latina Leadership Council includes: Carla Agostinelli,Michelle Garcia,Nora Garcia, Lynae Maciel and Dr. Yolanda Cardenas

Diana Pando: What trends are you seeing with Latinas in Philanthropy in the middle of this economic downturn?

Lilliana De Santiago: The trends that I see are working collaboratively with the arts and/or leadership events. The arts are an amazing venue where culture, opinions, passions, and current events are voiced in a multitude of ways that can relate to the masses. The LLC has partnered with the arts for their annual fundraiser for the last 3 years and they have proven to be highly successful. The goals with our events are to expose people the many elements of the Latino cultures, entertain them and educate them to the issues of Latina women. We have been fortunate enough to accomplish that and be recognized as an organization that does that on a yearly basis. We hope to continue that trend.

Silvia Rivera: Now, more than ever, we have to be united in supplementing the losses community organizations have experienced due to the economic downturn. Cut backs have negatively affected Latina agencies, many of which are being forced to decrease the services they provide. The good news is that our ability to partner with arts organizations, has proven to be a wonderful formula in reaching out to a diverse cadre of financial contributors. It is true that when times are tough, the comadres come through.

Diana Pando: What plans do you and Silvia, the new co-chair, have for the Latina Leadership Council in the coming months?

Lilliana De Santiago: Grow bigger, better, and wiser. We continue to look for amazing women who are willing to make a commitment to service, education, and philanthropy. We also will be working on a fundraising strategic plan to map out our philanthropic goals and events for the next year or two. We have an amazing group of women with a million great ideas and we nee to harness those ideas and see how we can make them realities.

Silvia Rivera: I hope that we increase the visibility of the Latina Leadership Council amongst organizations that might benefit from our fundraising efforts. Likewise, I hope that we can continue on our upward fundraising momentum.

About the benefit performance

Chicago Foundation for Women's Latina Leadership Council is proud to announce a special one-night benefit performance of The House on Mango Street at the Steppenwolf Theatre. This is generously cosponsored by Steppenwolf Theatre. Profits from the event will go toward the Council's Maria Mangual Unidas Fund, which awards grants to nonprofit programs in the Chicago area working with the Latina community. Join us for a pre-show reception with wine and hors d'oeuvres, where you can meet council members and learn how you can get involved.

About The House on Mango Street

Based on the novel by celebrated Chicago writer Sandra Cisneros and adapted by Tanya Saracho, The House on Mango Street is the touching and humorous story of a young girl growing up in one of Chicago's culturally diverse neighborhoods. Esperanza Cordero dreams of a new life far away from her tiny home on rundown Mango Street in this classic coming-of-age story about those defining experiences that shape our beliefs and help us discover who we are.

Tickets: $40. Buy through Chicago Foundation for Women's website: https://www.cfw.org/SSLPage.aspx?pid=1113

Got questions about this event? Call Marisol Ybarra: 312-577-2801

mybarra@cfw.org