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

Esther Cepeda: 600 is the sweet spot

Esther Cepeda encourages the Latina journalism student to develop her multi-media skills and to be bold. Esther leads by example; she writes and self-syndicates her column at 600words. In 2006 she became the first Latino metro columnist when she joined the Chicago Sun-Times, about the opportunity she says, "Its great to have a seat at the table."

Listen to more from our interview with Esther below:


Esther Cepeda 1 of 2 (7:06)


Esther Cepeda 2 of 2 (7:06)



Interview by Diana Pando

Ana Castillo: Fueling a literary tradition

Chicana writer Ana Castillo wants to fuel the tradition of reading and writing in the Latino community, through the memoir writing workshops she teaches. Ana says she hopes that she can help establish posterity of culture and most importantly the family stories of the participants. Literature, Ana reminds us, comes from all walks of life--writing is not just for the privileged. Our Proyecto Latina contributor, Yolanda Cardenas also asks about spirituality's place in writing, listen to their complete conversation below.

Ana Castillo: Spirituality's place in writing? (4:17)


Ana Castillo: Can you teach someone to write? (5:48)




Ana Castillo's memoir writing workshops are cross-cultural and generational and open to everyone over 18 years-old. Details available here.

Interview by Yolanda Cardenas

Migdalia Cruz: Writing is life

One of the most exciting things for me this fall is the impressive line-up of talented Latinas--from playwrights to actors--that Chicago theaters are boasting. I'm sure you've heard about Mango Street hitting the stage, the Brown Girl Chronicles just finished a second run, our September feature Marilyn Camacho is debuting as a director, and finally, Migdalia Cruz, whose play El Grito del Bronx ran this summer at the Goodman will be back in town teaching a master playwriting class over at Chicago Dramatist on October 24th. Its poised to be a one-of-a-kind experience, Migdalia is combining movement and yoga along with writing exercises into her workshop.

In case you've wondered about penning your own play, I thought this a most appropriate time to reach into my vault and share an interview that I did with Migdalia earlier this summer.

Diana: I read somewhere that you were originally a math major. How did you go from math major to playwright?

Migdalia:I was also a History minor, and took a class about Beckett. I thought it was about the English historical figure "Thomas A Becket, but instead it was about Samuel Beckett. When I saw how beautifully and poetically Beckett rendered the most horrible of human conditions, I thought becoming a playwright could be an incredible gift. So I dropped the Calculus. When I get stuck on my plays, I sometimes add big numbers. I figure anything on paper is good. It also relaxes me. Strange, huh? Math stresses a lot of people, but not me. But once I faced the fact that writing was what would truly make me happy, I remembered that I had written my first play when I was six years old—a puppet play about Civil Rights. So I suppose I was really just acknowledging what I always knew in my heart. Math was fun, but writing was life.

Diana: What advice do you give to emerging women playwrights?

Migdalia: Respect your history, listen to your ancestors, tell the truth, and write your own story—or someone else will write it and get it all wrong.

Diana: Can you give us a sneak peek at some of the other plays you might be working on?

Migdalia: Hmmm...I'm not sure how much I should tell you— I have been working for a while on an adaptation of Petronius' Satyricon, which will include both reggaeton & the music of Nino Rota. And I have recently started thinking about a play about real Puerto Rican Pirates to whom I am related. Enough said.

'Finding a Method to Your Own Madness.' For more details contact: Megan from Chicago Dramatist at msmith@chicagodramatists.org, or call at 312-206-8959.

Interview by Diana Pando

Look for Camille & Esther @ Renegade this weekend

If you are making it out to the Renegade Craft Fair this weekend. Take note and make sure to swing by and check out the work that a couple of crafting Latinas from the Chicago area will be presenting.

"If you love what you do, why not live off of it?" Esther Ramirez, the artist behind Essimar Papel also wants her stationery products to be a household name one day. She's well on her way there, her line of hand made limited run cards can be found in 59 boutiques throughout the U.S. and Europe. Esther, 28, began her love affair with paper when she was a child and didn't get the fanciest notebooks during back-to-school shopping, she took it upon herself to begin collaging the covers with magazine and newspapers cut-outs. Paper is Esther's main arsenal, and her methods include hand pulled screen printing, hand dye cutting, hand mache, and collage . You can find her booth this weekend at the Renegade Craft fair where she will have an offering of items that include paper maché pins, handmade limited/in series cards, and papel picado.

Camille Canales, owner of La Otra Camilla, is making her Craft fair debut at Renegade this weekend. Camille, 25, moved to Chicago from Texas over five years ago and is a graduate from the School of the Art Institute. A painter and textile artist, she currently teaches screen-printing and embroidery at Lillstreet Art Center. “I love making things with my hands,” she explains and often takes on the challenge of recreating her paintings into a skilled embroidery piece. Although, her most recent collection of q-tip confetti prints—inspired by a dream—is a fun departure from labor intensive embroidery and embellishments she enjoys. Her booth this weekend will feature new paintings and drawings, along with craft items with select images from the art environments she creates, they include pillows, totes, scarves, and prints, as well as some kid wear and pet items.

Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago
September 12 and 13
11a.m. – 7p.m.
on Division St. between Damen Ave. and Paulina St.
Free

Feeling inspired? Renegade Craft Fair is currently taking applications for their holiday sale. Get details here.

Thelma Uranga: knitting graffiti in Pilsen

"It should be something cultural, it should define us but it should be open to anyone who wants to join," The 27 year-old Thelma Uranga says about her knitting circle El Stitch y Bitch. About a year and a half ago Thelma's creative urge led her to pick up knitting needles and start purling, she went on to make hats and scarfs and ultimately create the community of knitters that lacked in her part of town. They meet in Pilsen and Little Village cafes and occasionally venture out with knitted swatches to make statements on Pilsen streets that puts a new spin on graffiti.














Thelma tells us how it all started (4:01)


Knitting statements (6:01)


Hook up with El Stitch y Bitch (1:37)



Connect with El Stitch y Bitch here, here and on:
Wed., Sept. 2nd from 7 to 9 p.m. @ Catedral Cafe, 2500 S. Christiana, Chicago.

interview by Ericka Sanchez

El Grito del Bronx

Local Actor Sandra Delgado stars in the new play El Grito del Bronx by Migdalia Cruz. In this interview she talks to Diana Pando about her new role as Lulu in the play and how the role has impacted her as an actor along with a few tips for emerging Latina actors. We want to hear from you if you like this interview let us know!

Part I: Sandra Delgado on El Grito del Bronx, 5:49


Part II: Sandra Delgado on El Grito del Bronx, 6:39



Part III: Sandra Delgado on El Grito del Bronx, 5:08


interview by Diana Pando

Over the Rainbow with Edith Bucio & Tania Unzueta

Listen to two Chicago queer Latinas honor their history and identities by paving the path to create more visibility for the triumphs and struggles of their communities.















Tania Unzueta shares history and thoughts on the move of the Chicago Dyke March to Pilsen and what it meant personally that the march was arriving to the community she lives and works in.

Tania Unzueta, 14:37

















Edith Bucio is the June 2009 feature for Proyecto Latina. She speaks to us about being a queer Latina writer in Chicago and her work as a volunteer with the Chicago Dyke March.

Tania Unzueta, 14:37


Interview by Irasema Gonzalez.

Zulema Ortiz: a new brand of All American patriotism

Proyecto Latina interviews Zulema Ortiz, the 2009 Young Visionary award recipient for the 2009 Sor Juana Achievement award. A 20 year-old college-student, Zulema patriotically refers to the only country she ever remembers living in as,“the land of opportunity, where anything is possible.” That's the attitude that Zulema adopted although she lacked the nine essential digits of a social security number, and found creative ways to finance college and pursue a higher education. She's paving the way towards her dreams and with confidence declares that, "the Dream Act will be passed."

Part I: Zulema Ortiz, 5:57


Part II: Zulema Ortiz, 5:26


Part III: Zulema Ortiz, 7:41


Links and resources:
Latinos Progresando
Big Picture High School, Back of the Yards, Chicago
Close Up
The Road Less Traveled
The Dream Act

Interview by Irasema Gonzalez

Josefina Lopez: Renaissance Latina says, create your opportunities and own your stories

"Never wait for anyone to give you an opportunity, make it happen for yourself ..."
--Josefina Lopez

During a recent visit to the windy city Josefina Lopez, author of Real Women Have Curves, and most recently the novel Hungry woman in Paris sits down to talk to Proyecto Latina co-producer Diana Pando.

Josefina Lopez talks to us about the decision to move to Paris, her latest novel and other upcoming projects. Josefina also advises Latinas on creating their own opportunities, handling rejection and ownership of our own stories.


Part I: Josefina Lopez, 6:06


Part II: Josefina Lopez, 6:08


Part III: Josefina Lopez, 5:18


More information on Josefina and her projects at josefinalopez.com

Interview by Diana Pando

Alla-licious, Latino indie/rock never sounded so good

Proyecto Latina is a big fan of the Chicago based group Alla. And if you are familiar with their music and you ever tune into our Sunday afternoon show you will know that our show intro features a snippet of one of Alla's songs from their first CD Es Tiempo.

Proyecto Latina's music director, Yolanda Cardenas sat down with Alla earlier this month to talk about their music and uncovered some interesting stuff about the intensity and drive that moves them. The Mexican-American band and it’s unconventional and sophisticated sound is formed by: Lupe Martinez (vocalist/guitarist) and the Ledezma brothers, Jorge (producer/guitarist) and Angel (drums). Allá's debut album” Es Tiempo “ was produced by Jorge Ledezma over a four-year period, using no less than 8 studios. Most recently they released Digs, a new mini-album where the band pays tribute to a diverse list of artist and songs that helped bring their unique musical vision into focus.

Catch Alla with us this Saturday, May 16th, they will be performing an acoustic set at the National Museum of Mexican Art as part of the Sor Juana festival and the Letras, Palabras y Cantos event. Details below.

Part I: Alla, 5:56


Part II: Alla, 16:04


Part III: Alla, 12:39


Interview by Yolanda Cardenas













Discover Alla's sound here.

Dolores Huerta: Be full of yourself and take the credit for your work

This past March Dolores Huerta received the 2009 Ruth Bader Ginsburg Award for a Pioneer in Women’s Rights at the Chicago Foundation for Women Impact Awards. Dolores Huerta's life story revolves around activism, compassion and leadership. She is a leading advocate for the human rights of workers, immigrants and women. Proyecto Latina Co-producer, Diana Pando had the opportunity to speak to Dolores and she emerged from her interview with one very important message for young Latinas everwhere. Its regarding the si se puede slogan Dolores coined and a picture she didn't take: make sure you take credit for your accomplishments or someone else will do it .


Part I: Dolores Huerta, 5:56


Part II: Dolores Huerta, 9:54


Interview by Diana Pando

Radio: May Schedule & April Recap

Tune in on Sundays at 6 p.m. to the Proyecto Latina hour at Radio Arte, 90.5 FM. You can also listen online here, and all our interviews are archived at proyectolatina.org--look for the interview archive link on the right hand column of this page.

Our May schedule includes interviews with:

• Dolores Huerta
  
• Alla, Chicago's very own Chicano trio that includes Lupe Martinez on vocals and guitar.
  
• Zulema Ortiz, Young Visionary for Sor Juana
• Johanny Vazquez Paz, Chicago poet and Proyecto Latina feature for May.
  
• Josefina Lopez, author of Hungry Woman in Paris and Real Women Have Curves.
• Footage from the Celebrating Latina Creativity in Chicago panel at DePaul, that includes presentations by: Bibiana Suarez, Irasema Gonzalez, Tanya Saracho, and Coya Paz.
  

April 2009 was a busy and exciting month for us, in case you missed any of it:

• What drives the art and work of Giselle Mercier?
  
• Tanya Saracho and Sandra Marquez tell us about the discipline and power in theatre
  
• Sandra Cisneros: Compost your rage and fuel your art
  
• Jorge Valdivia: Sor Juana's quinceanera
  
• Michelle Otero: An open heart and writing to heal
  
• Luna Blues Machine: Two sisters, one cd, and lots of livin' and learning.

Luna Blues Machine: Two sisters, one cd & lots of livin' & learnin'

The multi-talented Cervantes sisters have roots in Back of the Yards and Chicago's Southside but their music casts a much wider net and draws inspiration from a very diverse mix of music genres.

The Luna Blues Machine fuses acoustic hip-hop with soul, folk, latin and any other genre that moves them. Fronted by sisters Belinda and Maritza Cervantes (mandolin and guitar), LBM stands out as one of the most experimental acoustic music acts working in Chicago today. With the accompaniment of bass and drums, their feel-good rhythms, engaging stories, tight harmonies and charismatic hooks will make you want to getcha self a little luna love.

Part I: Luna Blues Machine, 8:21


Part II: Luna Blues Machine, 8:17


Part III: Luna Blues Machine, 5:14


Catch The Luna Blues Machine, this Thursday, April 30th @ 10pm @ Silvie's Lounge, 1902 W. Irving Park Road. $5 cover. Say you're there to see LBM. You can learn more about them and their new cd at www.thelunabluesmachine.com

Interview by Yolanda Cardenas

Michelle Otero: An open heart and writing to heal

Proyecto Latina had the pleasure of featuring Michelle Otero, author of Malinche's Daughter this past February. Before Michelle boarded a plane back home to the Southwest, I had the opportunity to sit down and talk to her about life as an author and her approach to her craft.

Part I: Writing journey and the universal story, 9:37


Part II: Writing a book that heals and opening our heart when creating, 9:59


WEB BONUS: Morning pages, 3:00



Interview by Irasema Gonzalez

Jorge Valdivia talks to us about Sor Juana's quinceanera

On May 16th, Proyecto Latina returns to the Sor Juana festival to celebrate literary and musical contributions from Latina artists. The lineup includes: Alla, Gwendolyn Zepeda, Claudia Guadalupe Martinez, Lisa Alvarado, and Dawn Herrera-Terry. Diana Pando recently had a chance to talk to Jorge Valdivia, the Director of Performing arts at the National Museum of Mexican Art, about the 15th anniversary of the Sor Juana Festival, an annual tribute to Mexican women.

Part I: Interview with Jorge Valdivia, 5:44


Part II: Interview with Jorge Valdivia, 6:15

Get the Sor Juana 2009 Chicago calendar here (pdf).

Sandra Cisneros: Compost your rage & fuel your art

That's Jorge Valdivia with Sandra Cisneros in the photograph above, it was taken moments before I got to sit down and interview her last Wednesday. Jorge is the Director of Performing arts at the National Museum of Mexican Art and we will be posting an interview with him later this week, so make sure to come back and check for it, he talks to us about the 15th annual Sor Juana Festival.

I owe Jorge, Annie Tully, and Diana Pando, a HUGE shout out and THANK YOU in getting this interview done. It was such an amazing opportunity, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.


Part I: Interview with Sandra Cisneros, 3:50


Part II: Interview with Sandra Cisneros, 9:10


Part III: Interview with Minerva who writes poems, 2:53


interview by Irasema Gonzalez

Tanya Saracho & Sandra Marquez tell us about the discipline & power in theatre

Proyecto Latina speaks to the two leading women behind the making of the play Our Lady of the Underpass, which was presented earlier this year by Teatro Vista. Learn about the art process behind each of these women: Sandra Marquez, director, tells us about the required discipline when working in theater and Tanya Saracho, playwright, tells us where to find the power in theatre that will insure that more plays by and for Latin@s are produced.

Part I: Interview with Sandra Marquez, 14:01


Part II: Interview with Tanya Saracho, 21:38

What drives the art and work of Giselle Mercier?

Proyecto Latina interviews Giselle Mercier, an artist and arts educator with a culturally rich and multi-disciplinary approach to curriculum development in youth arts. Giselle is also an installation artist who draws inspiration from her Panamanian roots and the immigrant experience in an effort to create universal art. Earlier this year Giselle became the executive director for Pro’s Arts Studios in Pilsen, in this interview she also shares thoughts with us on that transition.

Part I: Interview with Giselle Mercier, 5:58


Part II: Interview with Giselle Mercier, 6:05


Part III: Interview with Giselle Mercier, 4:40


interview by Irasema Gonzalez

Directorial debut @ S-e-x-oh! remix

Erika Sanchez, our correspondent for Proyecto Latina Radio show is spending her spring break in Ireland and we hope she's enjoying herself and drinking a Guiness or two. As she was packing to leave for her big trip, she dashed out to Berwyn's 16th Street Theater to interview Yadira Correa and Dana Cruz--its a directorial debut for both ladies with the production of S-e-x-oh! the remix. Listen to Ericka's interview with both ladies.


Part I: Interview with Yadira Correa and Dana Cruz, 3:47


Part II: Interview with Yadira Correa and Dana Cruz, 2:22


Part III: Interview with Yadira Correa and Dana Cruz, 3:07


Part IV: Interview with Yadira Correa and Dana Cruz, 4:17


Part V: Interview with Yadira Correa and Dana Cruz, 4:33


S-e-x-oh! the remix runs through March 29th. You can get ticket and show details here.

interview by Ericka Sanchez