January 24, 2025 | Sarasota
CreArte Latino Cultural Center announces the return of “Voices of Immigration,” a powerful dramatized reading performed in Spanish with English subtitles. The performance shares heartfelt testimonies of immigrants living in the region, offering an intimate glimpse into their experiences of leaving their homeland, navigating challenges, and building a new life. Premiered in November 2024, this deeply moving piece invites audiences to reflect on a poignant question: Does the American Dream truly exist, and is the sacrifice worth it? The event is Saturday, February 1, 8 p.m., at CreArte Latino Cultural Center’s new venue, 1913 Northgate Blvd., Sarasota. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at CreArteLatino.org.
“Voices of Immigration,’ sheds light on real immigrant stories, countering stereotypes and misconceptions,” says Carolina Franco, co-founder and producing artistic director. “The narratives emphasize the human side of immigration, challenging dehumanizing propaganda and the portrayal of immigrants as criminals.” She adds that the performance concludes with a post-show discussion, offering an opportunity for a meaningful dialogue.
Directed by Elvira Sánchez-Blake and Juan Pablo Salas, the play draws from firsthand testimonials of immigrants in Sarasota, Bradenton, and Immokalee. Featuring a cast of performers who originally hail from diverse Latin American countries, the production steers clear of political debates, focusing instead on dispelling misconceptions about immigration. It highlights the vital roles immigrants play in agriculture, construction, domestic work, and hospitality—industries that rely heavily on their contributions. The play also addresses the uncertain future of DACA recipients, emphasizing their indispensable impact on local economies, communities, and schools.
“This country was built by immigrants,” says Juan Pablo Salas, a journalist at Solmart Media. “Whether your family came from Europe, the Middle East, or Latin America, immigration is a shared experience. This play is about all of us.”
Elvira Sánchez-Blake, a retired professor and writer, highlights the critical roles immigrants play in industries such as agriculture and hospitality. “They do the jobs that many others don’t want to do, yet they remain invisible.”
“Voices of Immigration” is funded, in part, by the Nancy Jo Marchisello Charitable Fund at Gulf Coast Community Foundation.
To find out more about CreArte Latino Cultural Center, to donate or register for programs and events, visit CreArteLatino.org or CreArte Latino on Facebook.
Comments