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While the Guadalupe fiddles, a Chicano theatre dies

Cara Mia Theatre in Dallas was founded over ten years ago to bring Chicana/o theatre to la raza, and to train a whole new generation of artistas. Adelina Anthony, a highly-regarded actress from San Antonio who looks like a movie star with the conciencia of Cherrie Moraga, founded it with much sacrificio. The City of Dallas has never rewarded them for their community work and grassroot audiences. What has happened to us?


Its funny that in 11 years here with Cara Mia and me about to resign my
positions and long journey with Cara Mia it is not because we are in debt.
But because we can't get enough funds to pay a director and staff what is due.
And the moneys are in the bank as I speak loca, but I have given too much to this
beautiful child that every one loves but few understand. I have cried rivers like a
baby knowing this will become history for me, but I have to go on with my life.
Just maybe I will return if things go well with me, and maybe not Cara Mia but
the same Mission with another name and strategy. It is the Mission that is the heart of any organization and Cara Mia has served well to the community. The educational programs continue as I speak thanks to Frida Mueller now wife of previous Artistic Director David Lozano. This Chilanga from the D.F. without any English some how has the heart to continue our educational programs...

(Eliberto Gonzalez, the managing director, was my husband in my former life.) He's a great guy, and is a roofing contractor when he's not at Cara Mia.

Comments

Annie M. said…
I hope this is not a "true story." Cara Mia closing would leave a huge void in the heart of Dallas. It would rip out a chunk of our soul, our vida.
As part of the loyal audience, Cara Mia has provoked us to tears and carcajadas. It's let our children learn what is Teatro Chicano. Somebody say it isn't true, por favor.
2:45 PM
PANZA DVD said…
Cara Mia is the first professional theatre company to ever hire me as an artist. I performed the Panza Monologues at The Mexican American Cultural Center in Dallas. As a teatrista, I grow increasingly concerned about the future of Chicano theatre - where are the sites for artistic growth & development? All too often our centers fail us or are rapidly dissapearring. We have a responsibility to create a theatre that is both urgent in its message and well crafted. With renewed commitment, vgrise
2:36 AM
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