My new Ñ Series

So I've started this reading series called The Ñ Series and we held the third reading on Monday, October 4th at the Victory Garden

s Biograph Theater which was a fantastic experience for our fledgling little group (which includes Jo Ann Flores-Deter, Ricardo Gutierrez and by long distance, Juan Villa) Historically, Victory Gardens has always been more than supportive when I've embarked on these type of endeavors. Back when I'd just started Teatro Luna, they (mostly Sandy Shinner) were the first ones to give me free space to have our first two Probaditas, because they'd hosted a read

ing of one of my very very first plays La Dueña, back in 1999. (You know, I don't even have a copy of that script anymore. I'm so dumb. I need to separate writer tantrum

s from good file keeping)

Anyway, Victory Gardens was amazing to

host the reading of blu by Virginia Grise. I must mention that Stefan Brun of Prop Thtr, was also unbelievably gracious to host our inaugural first two readings on the weekend of September 25-26, 2010 at his adorable space. (I love that space!) The Ñ doesn't have a permanent space so we couldn't do this without their generosity. Oh, speaking of generosity Jane Saks of The Ellen Stone Belic Institute for the Study of Women and Gender in the Arts and Media at Columbia College (whew, that's quite a title) was our benefactor for blu. She sponsored Virginia's travel and lodging and it made all the difference becaus

e we were able to have the playwright in the room wh

ile Marcela Muñoz (who is a directing goddess) directed a pretty talented cast which included Charin Alvarez, Remy Ortiz, Arthur Soria, Eddie Diaz and Irene Patino. It was the best of blessings and Vicki got introduced to Chicago. And because my beloved Yadi had a scheduling conflicted, I got reintroduced to the stage when I had to take on the role of Hailstorm in the reading... which was a challenge to say the least. But it was fun gett

ing to don the chola gear.

Here's a little bit about T

he Ñ Series:

The Ñ Series was conceived to offer a creative forum for Latino-identified artists in a safe “amongst family” setting. It is dedicated to providing opportunities for playwrights from around the country and abroad by pairing them with Chicago-area directors of Latino/a descent. In the coming years, the hope is that this endeavor grows to serve as a fertile ground and exploratory space, as well as an eventual showcase for both emerging and established Latino/a artists which will include presentations, professional workshops, webcast panels and community discussions. The Ñ pairs up with generous collaborators such as Prop Thtr, Victory Gardens and The Institute for the Study of Gender and Women in the Arts and Media, to bring you the latest work by Latino Theater Artists.