The Stories of Us Cast: Actor Adam Martinez

You may know that the play that I wrote that was featured in the Austin Latino New Play Festival in 2015 was picked up by Teatro Vivo for their 2015-2016 season.  And showtime is upon us!  The show is directed by the fabulously talented Florinda Bryant (who slays at teatro is you ask me!) and brought to life by a beautiful ensemble of artists.

I wanted to take the time to connect with the members of the cast and crew to hear about their experiences and their stories.   Today, the spotlight is on the talented ensemble member Adam Martinez!

via Teatro Vivo

How did you get your start in theatre?

I started making theater when I was 15 years old. The City of Austin had a youth employment program and paid us to put on theater shows. We were all youth of color and from tough neighborhoods, but we all took the job serious. That evolved into an youth-led theater company and an after-school program. And every summer we produced a show for the city. I’ve been making theater since and not only as an actor, but also as a writer, director and producer. I’ve worked with Tongue and Groove Theatre, the Scottish Rite Theatre, El Paso Kids N Co, and with the sketch comedy group Latino Comedy Project. Children’s theater and sketch comedy are my faves, probably because I grew up with these, but I make theater to make a difference, to create dialog and to activate minds.

I make theater to make a difference, to create dialog and to activate minds.

 

What was your response to the play?

The play resonates with me because of its raw honesty. It’s familiar. And it gives us the opportunity to rectify some of the conflicts presented in the play, and to initiate a much needed conversation. Racial issues in this country have always been seen as black and white. As as result, people of color have not been able to exercise the immense power we have when we work together. This play allows us to see the possibilities.

Racial issues in this country have always been seen as black and white. As as result, people of color have not been able to exercise the immense power we have when we work together.

How was the creative process with working with this play?

Working on this show has been extremely cathartic and a learning experience. Unfortunately, it’s a rare opportunity to work on a show about people of color, by people of color, starring people of color. It’s good to be in a safe space with people who are down. We have a great guide and leader in Florinda. She allows us to play and to make choices that are deeply rooted in our experiences. I can’t wait to share with the gente our labor of love.

We have a great guide and leader in Florinda. She allows us to play and to make choices that are deeply rooted in our experiences.

Thank you Adam for your words and amazing work!  You can see Adam and the rest of the cast April 22nd!  The Stories of Us will be playing April 21, 2016-May 8, 2016 in Austin, Texas.  You can purchase tickets here.

© BLACK GIRL, LATIN WORLD 2016

 

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Keep Speaking On Beginning Spanish Learners

People make fun of Kevin Heart’s video in which he spits a few lines of his Spanish.  But I think it’s wonderful.  You know why? Because he is being bold! He is using his knowledge to engage in the language. You see, it took me years to step out of fear when speaking Spanish.  I was afraid I would fail at grammar or not understand what someone was saying to me.  That fear was not productive.  Here I was seeking to be proficient in a language that I didn’t even use.  Girl, bye.