‘Cuba and His Teddy Bear’ - Testimonial #1 - Epifanio Velez from La Plena Restaurant
Epifanio came to see the show on Sunday, November 22, 2009 and was very moved. The testimonial is in Spanish, but you could tell the emotion in his eyes.
For more information on La Plena Restaurant in Humboldt Park visit: http://bit.ly/5C5VUf
For tickets to see the Midwest Premiere and Jeff Recommended ‘Cuba and His Teddy Bear’ go to: I want to see Cuba!
‘Cuba’ is a co-production with the PEOPLE*S THEATER of Chicago, written by Rienaldo Povod and directed by Marilyn Camacho.
-UrbanTheater Company (UTC)
FROM the STREETS to the STAGE
Recorded on the set of ‘Cuba and His Teddy Bear’ by Ivan Vega
Get To Know Our Team: Christian Blackburn as Teddy
From now till the end of the run we will highlight the talented individuals involved in helping make the Midwest Premiere of Cuba and His Teddy Bear possible with a brief questionnaire. Enjoy!
1. Where are you from? If not from Chicago, how did you end up here? What is your ethnicity?
I was born and raised in Blue Island, IL; just outside the Chicago city limits on the south end. I moved to the city’s north side to attend Loyola University, and that is where I currently reside. I am half Mexican. The other half is an Anglo stir fry (Scottish, Irish, English, Dutch, German) with a scoop of Native American, and a dash of Jewish to top it all off.
2. What is your position in Cuba?
Son, heroin addict, doormat: Teddy.
3. What drew you to want to work on Cuba and His Teddy Bear?
Honestly, it was the fact that it was paid and that it seemed like a legitimate challenge compared to the show I had done previously that drew me in. I really didn’t know anything about CUBA before auditioning for it. However, once I auditioned, read the script, met the gang (Marylin, Madrid, Ivan) I was fully invested in bringing this monster to life. The script alone hooked me, but the prospect of playing Teddy is what reeled me in (sweet fishing analogy, right?). For a young actor like myself, still new to the whole Chicago theatre scene, a role like Teddy in a play like CUBA just doesn’t come along everyday. And, too, I felt I needed to prove something to myself. But enough of my personal qualms. On to question number 4!
4. Why is this a great piece of theater for Chicago?
CUBA works for Chicago on a number of levels. It’s rough and gritty and ballsy, and with the right cast (which I do believe we have) it is a beautiful work of art. There is a very human connection between audience and actors and the characters in this show. These characters could be your father, your son, your best friend. Chicago is known for its intimate in-your-face theatre; and CUBA is definitely that. Of course there is also the culture which is prominent both in the show and in the environment surrounding the show. Two small Latino theatre companies are able to produce a play, in which the majority of the characters are Latino, in an underprivileged Latino community. It goes to show that in Chicago, art is capable of living anywhere so long as we give it a chance to breathe.
5. What makes Chicago Theater great to you?
I think I will just have you refer back to #4, i.e. gritty, in-your-face theatre that you can find in the most unexpected of places, etc.
6. What do like about working with UTC/PTC? If you have worked with UTC/PTC before what show did you work on and how was your experience?
Who said I like working with Urban/People’s? Because whoever that person is is telling you the truth. This is my first experience with both Urban and People’s. Prior to auditioning I had only briefly heard of them. What I’ve come to like most about these two companies is genuineness that their purveyors possess. Everyone I have met during this process has been very kind and supportive with me and with each other. No one is out just for themselves, and I respect that more than any awards that have been won in the past, or 4 star reviews for other shows, and so on. Urban and People’s have given me a great opportunity and helped me to help them reach its full potential.
7. What do you do for work outside of your position in Cuba?
I do what any other aspiring actor just out of school does, I’m a waiter.
8. Also maybe, other than Cuba, what is your favorite play that you have worked on?
Because CUBA is really my first big show post college, I’m going to have to go back two years to my (first) senior year. I did two shows back to back- BIG LOVE & THE BLUE HOUR. It is difficult to say which I enjoyed more because I learned so many different things (mostly about myself) from both of them. But on a more shallow level, I really like playing the bad guy, which I did in both shows.
9. Why are you pursuing theater in Chicago, rather than somewhere else?
Chicago is what/where I know. I went to school in the city, and all of my teachers at Loyola work in the city. So right off the bat I have a couple very good connections. But beyond that, Chicago theatres are like Starbucks. If you keep your eyes open you can find one on almost every corner. Chicago is a great place to gain experience, meet people, make connections, and it’s just plain beautiful.
10. What’s your favorite line from a play?
I’m taking the cheap way out of this. I love everything that comes out of Che’s mouth. If/when this play is done again, hopefully somewhere a few years down the line, I would absolutely love a shot at playing Che. “…lemme lick yer wounds.”
For tickets click: I support Theater in Chicago!
-FROM the STREETS to the STAGE
Interview by Ivan Vega
Get To Know Our Team: Madrid St. Angelo as Cuba
From now till the end of the run we will highlight the talented individuals involved in helping make the Midwest Premiere of Cuba and His Teddy Bear possible with a brief questionnaire. Enjoy!
1. Where are you from? If not from Chicago, how did you end up here? What is your ethnicity?
I was born in Newark, NJ., map points of maturity include; Bloomfield, NJ, Alamosa, CO, Pueblo, CO, El Paso, TX, Albuquerque, NM, Brooklyn, NY, San Francisco, CA, Denver, CO. Those map points, however, were road stops; nightmarish blips and bridges back to Brooklyn; where I grew up. My Mother was Spanish, Irish and Native American. Her people came from Spain, settled in the Southwest and married into Apache and Shoshone Tribes. My great grandfather, from whom I get my name; Emiterio Madrid married an Irish woman; Emilia Grant; a descendant of Hiram Ulysses S. Grant; the 18th President of the United States. My father’s people came from Italy; Calabria and Naples.
2. What is your position in Cuba?
In CUBA and His Teddy Bear, I play Joseph Cuba/producer/Artistic Director for the PEOPLE*S THEATER of Chicago.
3. What drew you to want to work on Cuba and His Teddy Bear?
The Story and the language. I have loved this story and play for many, many years. An opportunity to play Joseph Cuba is one that I embrace and am most thankful for.
4. Why is this a great piece of theater for Chicago?
This is a great story and play regardless of which city it is being performed in. CUBA and His Teddy Bear has an exciting history behind it. It is an accurate and passionate piece of writing from a time and place very different from what most Chicagoans have experienced. It is straight up; a slice of life from New York’s Lower East Side; the mid 80’s. Although the themes explored and relayed in CUBA…are universal themes of love, redemption, and forgiveness, at it’s heart it remains an aggressive, passionate and eloquent play rich with real NYC vibe, sentiment and flow. For ‘theatre lovers’ in Chicago this play is a wonderful part of Latino Theatre History; exploring and spotlighting the legacies of two forceful and underrated Latino writers; Miguel Piñero and Reinaldo Povod. CUBA holds a place in Theatre History and any lover, respecter, or person involved in theatre should see this play. If not for the performances; solely for the writing and the fact that this is a Midwest Premiere.
5. What makes Chicago Theater great to you?
That individuals who truly love and respect the theatre have opportunities to get works like CUBA up on its feet. Of course, as with most things…where there is a will, there is a way. However, it is my personal feeling that Chicago Theatre leaves a great deal to be desired. Although there is more theatre being produced here than in NY or LA, a true heart and respect for the theatre is often times second to that of NY’s Theatre Scene. Chicago Theatre is the capital of what I term; Vanity Theatre.
6. What do like about working with UTC/PTC? If you have worked with UTC/PTC before what show did you work on and how was your experience?
As a founding member of URBANTHEATER Company (UTC)/PEOPLE*S THEATER of Chicago (PTC) it is my belief that heart and respect for the stage are UTC/PTC’s motivation and core. Consistently UTC/PTC has worked to preserve the integrity of stage performance and we have consistently provided opportunities for minority actors, up and coming actors, designer’s and stage manager’s.
7. What do you do for work outside of your position in Cuba?
I work as a bartender at INNJOY Bar and Restaurant in Wicker Park.
8. Also maybe, other than Cuba, what is your favorite play that you have worked on?
Directing the World Premiere of Edward Crosby Well’s controversial play; FLOWERS OUT OF SEASON, was extremely gratifying to me.
9. Why are you pursuing theater in Chicago, rather than somewhere else?
I am an actor; I will pursue opportunities to work on stage wherever I am. However, I do not believe or feel that Chicago is the right fit for me personally. However, I am an actor; I act.
10. What’s your favorite line from a play?
I like the, ‘Money realizes yer dreams,’ lesson that Cuba gives to Teddy in Act One.
Interview by Ivan Vega
For tickets click: I want to see CUBA!
-FROM the STREETS to the STAGE
I WANT TO BELIEVE
Another AMAZING photo of me as Joseph Cuba in the Jeff Recommended production of Reinaldo Povod’s, ‘CUBA and His Teddy Bear.’ I love this shot. Photo: Anthony Acairdi
Chicago Tribune’s Gives “Cuba and His Teddy Bear” * * * (3 Stars)
Review by Kerry Reid
Screen shot via Chicago Tribune
UTC
Made In Costa Rica
UTC Goes International
Get To Know Our Team: Julian Martinez as Che
From now till the end of the run we will highlight the talented individuals involved in helping make the Midwest Premiere of Cuba and His Teddy Bear possible with a brief questionnaire.
1. Where are you from? If not from Chicago, how did you end up here? What is your ethnicity?
I’m from central coast California. Born in Santa Barbara, moved to Santa Maria, then to Tucson, AZ, then back to Santa Maria. I’m Mexican/American.
2. What is your position in Cuba?
I play the part of Che.
3. What drew you to want to work on Cuba and His Teddy Bear?
The script, part, actors and crew involved.
4. Why is this a great piece of theater for Chicago?
I’d hate to limit this play’s influence only to Chicago, as it reads for any audience that has a perception of urban life. Either this play can reinforce or tear down former perceptions, depending on an audience’s background. And regardless of the surface content this play is about much more than urban/drug culture; more so Cuba and his Teddy Bear’s content leans more on the relationship between a single father and his son. And regardless of the circumstances all fathers and sons go through problems growing up.
5. What makes Chicago Theater great to you?
The community, the willingness, the ambition, the acceptance, and the accessability.
6. What do like about working with UTC/PTC? If you have worked with UTC/PTC before what show did you work on and how was your experience?
Not many theatre companies are ballsy enough to say yes to anything.
7. What do you do for work outside of your position in Cuba?
Acting throughout the Chicago area, producing internet media, painting, valet on the weekends.
8. Also maybe, other than Cuba, what is your favorite play that you have worked on?
Avenue A by David Steen, Cherry Orchard @ Steppenwolf, La Bella Vita by Charlie Berg
9. Why are you pursuing theater in Chicago, rather than somewhere else?
I think the description from Question #5 sums it up…
10. What’s your favorite line from a play?
I wish I was cool enough to remember them all.
For tickets click “Junkie Christ”
Interview by Ivan Vega
What does it mean to be “Jeff Recommended”?
“The designation of “Jeff Recommended” is given to a production when, after the opening night of its run, at least ONE ELEMENT of the show was deemed outstanding by the opening night judges of the Joseph Jefferson Committee. The entire production is then eligible for nomination for awards at the end of the season.”
Photo via the Jeff Awards website
For tix go to: I want to see Cuba!
Get To Know Our Team: K. Estela Rivera - Production Manager
From now till the end of the run we will highlight the talented individuals involved in helping make the Midwest Premiere of Cuba and His Teddy Bear possible with a brief questionnaire.
1. Where are you from? If not from Chicago, how did you end up here? What is your ethnicity?
I was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico and came to Chicago by way of Miami. I have lived in Chicago for the greater part of my life, but have also lived in New York City. I’m Puerto Rican, and love my roots. I was very fortunate to have spent a great deal of my summers on the island throughout my childhood and visit often. I try to go once a year.
2. What is your position in Cuba?
I’m the Production Manager for Cuba and His Teddy Bear. In this position, I have essentially been the Director’s right hand in making sure that every aspect of the production ran on time and ran smoothly. Having a film production background, the role came very naturally to me.
3. What drew you to want to work on Cuba and His Teddy Bear?
When I returned to Chicago after living on the East Coast, I really needed to become a part of an inspiring collective. Ivan Vega and I have a history together – He played the lead role in a short film I wrote entitled Unstoppable Jackie Nava. He hooked me up with Marilyn Camacho and without even reading the play, I was ready to work. This is mostly due to the fact that I knew I would be working with a very passionate group of people. This is essential. Without a passionate cast and crew, the magic cannot happen.
Once I read the piece, I was most affected by Teddy’s character. While Teddy’s character faces very particular struggles that I did not face, I understand his identity crisis. Having grown up bi-cultural, I completely identified with the inner-conflict that Teddy faced. As a writer, I loved the scenes where Teddy is highlighted in his creative process and I loved his moments with Che, albeit heartbreaking. The play as a whole really spoke to me. We have an excellent cast performing this piece.
4. Why is this a great piece of theater for Chicago?
When any story is told well, it deserves to be showcased. Povod has written a powerful, compelling, character-driven narrative that belongs with the roster of plays that make Chicago such a great theater city.
5. What makes Chicago Theater great to you?
Having worked in theater communities in Chicago and the East Coast, I have to say that I get the same butterflies with every production I’m involved with, regardless of geographical location. While I certainly have an immense respect for the New York theater community, it’s definitely not the only place that makes magic happen. Chicago theater is special to me because this city is my home. And I find that when it comes to the plays produced in Chicago, there’s something for everyone.
6. What do you like about working with UTC/PTC? If you have worked with UTC/PTC before what show did you work on and how was your experience?
The greatest joy for me was meeting and engaging with people whose passion for storytelling equals mine. I can’t wait for the next production!
7. What do you do for work outside of your position in Cuba?
I am a screenwriter, playwright, and produce short films. I’m currently negotiating an option contract for my screenplay Run and this summer wrapped production on a short film entitled Robbed, written & directed by Frank T. Ziede. I continue writing and am also a manager at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
8. Also maybe, other than Cuba, what is your favorite play that you have worked on?
Earlier this year I had the honor of working as a Resident Playwright and teacher for a program called “Project Playwright,” which was run by Northern Stage in White River Junction, Vermont. There, my teaching partner and I taught playwriting to 550 students in Vermont and New Hampshire. Each of them wrote a ten-minute play. We chose the 10 best plays, brought in actors and directors from NYC and the UK, produced and toured them to all of the schools.
The plays, written by 10 and 11 year olds, ranged in theme and style. From political satire, a nerd that just wants to be popular, and a play about a family whose home was foreclosed on – these plays taught me how universal and powerful story can be at any age. This experience is very near and dear to my heart and by far the best production I could have been a part of.
9. Why are you pursuing theater in Chicago, rather than somewhere else?
I wrote my first produced play at age 15 here in Chicago. The heart of my work beats in this city. While I certainly see my work touching audiences globally, there’s nowhere else I would rather have begun the journey. I will always be a part of the Chicago theater community regardless of where my work takes me.
10. What’s your favorite line from a play?
There’s too much genius out there to just pick one.
Interview by Ivan Vega
