BY ROSALBA ROLÓN
We circle the room, we lock eyes, we flirt lightly, we take a step forward. So far, from what we’ve seen, this could be a match! We have our moves, they have theirs. Not the same, but complementary. We’ve seen them in action before. We like what we’ve seen. And this time around it just feels right. The environment is comfortable enough. The floor is inviting. The food is terrific, and so are the drinks. So why not… and what if…
Partnerships! There is no shortage of multi-player initiatives in our arts and culture world. After decades of exchange and collaboration with theater companies and performing artists in the U.S. and abroad, we know the joys outweigh the risks, and we’ve racked up many satisfying and energizing experiences. More often than not, the urge comes from a shared creative curiosity. Our actors, musicians, directors, and designers find interlocutors and counterparts of merit and open up to the why not… and the what if…
At Pregones/PRTT, we cherish the choice, the possibility, and the seduction. Behind every success, there’s a string of first attempts and maybe-nots, but when it’s the right match and the right partners, there’s always a way forward. We know when it’s the right moment to pop the question: “Would you care to dance?” And we know when it’s best to wait to be asked!
What’s behind a successful collaboration? For starters, defining the type of project we are considering is paramount. When we share our “let’s do something together” approach with potential partners, what is each of us really talking about? A co-creation—in which we each lend of our artistry to bring a new play, musical, dance piece, or hybrid into the world? A co-production—in which we join like-minded artists or producers with the objective of giving an existing show or performance its next big chance? A co-commission—in which two or more of us join hands to give an artist or group the task and the resources to dream up a new live arts experience? Or is it a mix of some or all of the above that calls for new ways of thinking and rolling up our proverbial sleeves? This short list does not exhaust the options but captures actual and recurring types of collaborations we have entered over the years. Spoiler alert… few materialize overnight and most take months if not years to come to fruition.
Speaking of which…
the beautiful land I seek (la linda tierra que busco yo)
“Dancing” with Latinx Playwrights Circle and Fault Line Theatre in co-production of the beautiful land I seek has been a joy! They asked and we obliged, creating a fresh framework for a play they had nurtured through workshop and was ready for full World Premiere. Janio Marrero of LPC was the first to say, “this has to happen at Puerto Rican Traveling Theater!” Each team contributed creative and production expertise and lent financial resources to make it happen. We built upon Pregones/PRTT’s co-producing initiative Plataforma–The Bronx-Broadway Showcase for Latiné Theater as a sound foundation for the project to thrive. We brought different strengths into the project and took nothing for granted.
Aptly described as “a funny, gripping rollercoaster ride through Puerto Rico’s relationship to the United States,” Matt Barbot’s riveting play, artfully directed by José Zayas, had its first preview on December 4th and its official Off-Broadway Opening on December 11th. The show was immediately embraced and celebrated by our audiences and is garnering genuine praise from critics. In its thought-provoking, live theater mashup of art and history, the beautiful land I seek (la linda tierra que busco yo) reminds us that all roads lead to the present and it’s up to us to make the most of this moment. The production runs through December 29th and I urge you to see if for yourself.
And now, we dance!
We thank and celebrate our co-producing partners for making this experience one of joy, learning, and graceful moves. Our beautiful Puerto Rican Travelling Theater on 47th Street is filled with energy, great vibes, and history.
Click on the image below to get your tickets for the beautiful land i seek (la linda tierra que busco yo)
BUT WAIT!! THERE’S MORE!!
Check our calendar for highlights throughout the run of the beautiful land I seek, including LPC’s Boricua Night, donors reception, pre-show celebrations and more!
And, as the 2025 fast approaches, so is a range of Winter/Spring events at Puerto Rican Traveling Theater on 47th St, and at Pregones Theater in The Bronx, including the 21 International Short Films Fest, March Is Music and more collaborations in the works!
PICTURED TOP: 2024 production photos by Krystal Pagán. BOTTOM: Original illustration by Jeison Rivera.