Chicago has of the most dynamic theater scenes in the world. It is home to over two hundred theater companies, yet only a few identify as Latino, even though it is the second largest demographic in the city.
Myrna Salazar, Executive Director
The Chicago Latino Theater Alliance (CLATA) was founded in 2016 by Executive Director, Myrna Salazar, and an unprecedented coalition of three leading Chicago arts and cultural organizations; The National Museum of Mexican Art, the International Latino Cultural Center, and the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance. Utilizing their collective skills, experience, relationships, and audiences, CLATA is committed to creating a platform in which Latino theater artists are not only elevated to new levels of reception, but also to new levels of understanding through dynamic international programming, artist workshops, student matinees, and post show discussions. CLATA aims to unify both the local community and Latino artisans-at-large by providing an authentic representation of Latino culture for audiences of all backgrounds, to experience and discuss with the intention of finding commonality.
Destinos 2017 – UrbanTheater Company’s production of “Ashes of Light” at Victory Gardens Theater.
The most exciting CLATA venture is Destinos, The Chicago International Latino Theater Festival, which brings to Chicago performances from Latino theater companies from throughout the U.S. and Latin America. The inaugural Destinosfestival took place in the fall of 2017.
Destinos 2017 –Teatro Línea de Sombra (Mexico) discussing “Amarillo” to audiences after a performance at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
In the second iteration of Destinos, which takes place from September 20 through November 4, CLATA continues to highlight its Chicago Latino theater companies; Aguijón Theater, The Miracle Center, and Urban Theater Company; by bringing new audiences to their established neighborhood venues. In addition, CLATA will provide venues for Teatro Vista and Water People Theater. Through collaborations with venue partners; Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Steppenwolf Theatre, Victory Gardens Theater, and the newest addition, Goodman Theatre, CLATA will once again host an array of companies from Latin America (Argentina, Costa Rica, Columbia, and Mexico) and the U.S. (Puerto Rico, Los Angeles, and Dallas).
With the support of the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, the Chicago Latino Theater Alliance has been able to not only forge ahead with their mission to host an international festival, but has also been able to bring local Latino theater companies to the forefront at a vital time, when we wrestle with issues of cultural equity and inclusion in the country. The foundation is proud to support CLATA, its members, and its mission.
For more information on CLATA, visit CLATA.org
For more information on Destinos, visit clata.org/destinos-main
