One of the important tenants of learning a language is to expose yourself to how natives speak to better understand pronunciation, context and the culture. Here in New York there are multiple societies, organizations and institutions that dedicate themselves to celebrating Spanish-speaking heritages, which showcase and support arts programs, lectures, company performances and other informative and interactive cultural and political events.
If you’ve got the itch to explore and want to test your Spanish listening and comprehension skills, outlined below are some offerings around the boroughs that are going on through the end of the year. This list is not exhaustive and focused on events with the Spanish language as the main component.
THEATRE
Repertorio Español
Repertorio hosts a few productions at a time for extended periods. Please visit their website to learn more about their performances on offer. Some, but not all of their performances have English subtitles.
Where: 138 East 27th Street
When: Varies. Dependent on production.
Time: Varies based on performance and date.
Cost: See website for ticket information.
For more information visit: repertorio.nyc
Teatro SEA
The Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. “is the premiere Bilingual Arts-in-Education Organization and Latino Children’s Theatre in the United States,” according to its website. There are children friendly shows, including puppetry and adult performances as well.
Currently playing on December 1st and 8th is the “My Magical Chivita” (“The Colorful Colombian Bus”/“Mi Chivita Mágica”). In this performance, audience members will be transported to Colombia on a magical bus that will explain the traditions of the country.
Where: 107 Suffolk Street
When: Varies. Dependent on production.
Time: Varies based on performance and date.
Cost: See website for ticket information.
For more information visit: teatrosea.org
NAVIDAD: A Mexican-American Christmas
A production from the CALPULLI Mexican Dance Company that tells the tale of a young person exploring and combining the Christmas traditions of their Mexican heritage with the traditions of the United States.
Where: Thalia Hispanic Theatre, 41-17 Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside, Queens
When: November 30, 2018 – December 16, 2018
Time: Fridays and Saturdays 8PM; Sundays 4PM
Cost: See website for ticket information.
For more information visit: thaliatheatre.org
FILM
Tarde Para la Ira/The Fury of a Patient Man
A woman’s boyfriend is imprisoned for a robbery, and as she waits for his return to start fresh with their young son, she slowly falls in love with a man who frequents the bar she works at. She is offered refuge at his country house when her boyfriend returns angrily, only to slowly realize the man she developed feelings for may have other intentions.
Where: King Juan Carlos I of Spain Center, 53 Washington Square South
When: December 7, 2018
Time: 7PM
Cost: Free!
El Autor/The Motive
A married author becomes a bachelor after his wife’s infidelity and his new surroundings and life become fodder for his book.
Where: King Juan Carlos I of Spain Center, 53 Washington Square South
When: December 8, 2018
Time: 5PM
Cost: Free!
Muchos Hijos, un Mono y un Castillo/Lots of Kids, a Monkey and a Castle
A documentary of the mother of Spanish actor Gustavo Salmerón. This film won Best Documentary at the 2018 Goya Awards.
Where: King Juan Carlos I of Spain Center, 53 Washington Square South
When: December 8, 2018
Time: 8PM
Cost: Free!
Psiconautas, Los Niños Olvidados/Birdboy: The Forgotten Children
An animation about three kids looking for a better life. They begin by trying to escape the island they live on that was devastated after a nuclear power plant incident. They befriend another child, Birdboy, who happens to be hooked on drugs to suppress the demon inside him. The fates of the escaping children and Birdboy intertwine as they all battle to find freedom and become happy once again.
Where: King Juan Carlos I of Spain Center, 53 Washington Square South
When: December 9, 2018
Time: 4PM
Cost: Free!
Handia/The Giant
This film revolves around two brothers who try to profit from a condition one brother has of being the tallest man in the world. The film traces their journey and how they stumble through obstacles the world presents to them along the way.
Where: King Juan Carlos I of Spain Center, 53 Washington Square South
When: December 9, 2018
Time: 6PM
Cost: Free!
These films being presented at the KJCC will have English subtitles.
For more information head to: spainculture.us, kjcc.org or pragda.com
Ana Mendieta films
Ana Mendieta was a Cuban-American artist whose mediums included performance art, photography, sculpture, paint and film. She came to America as a refugee without her family, and the theme of her art explored the feelings of separation and displacement of an individual. Her films will be shown at the ASCOA in conjunction with the exhibition: Lydia Cabrera and Édouard Glissant: Trembling Thinking. There will be a discussion to follow afterwards.
Where: 680 Park Avenue
When: December 6, 2018
Time: 6:30 to 8:30PM
Cost: Free! Just register online.
For more information head to: as-coa.org
MUSEUMS
El Museo del Barrio
The museum showcases a range of artwork focusing on Caribbean, Latino and Latin American cultures. El Museo boasts a permanent collection, live performances and hosts events featuring artists in many fields from jewelry to photography.
Where: 1230 Fifth Avenue
When: Wednesday – Saturday 11AM – 6PM; Sunday 12PM – 5PM
Cost: Suggested amount for adults $9. Options for other demographics available.
For more information go to: elmuseo.org
