VOCES de la Maternidad Comes to Manatee Performing Arts Center This Month

Angélica Castro and Marcela Vanegas, two accomplished performers, writers and directors, are unveiling their latest directorial endeavor, "VOCES de la Maternidad (Voices of Motherhood)," a poignant exploration of motherhood within the Latino community in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

The performance, presented by CreArteLatino, consists of dramatic readings of narratives collected from conversations with community members, brought to life by an ensemble of actors. Following each performance, engaging discussions will be facilitated, involving the audience, directors, storytellers, and actors. “VOCES de la Maternidad” is May 30-June 1, 8 p.m., and June 2, 5 p.m., at the Manatee Performing Arts Center in the Bradenton Kiwanis Theater, 502 Third Avenue West, Bradenton. Audience members must be 17+.

 

Carolina Franco, producing artistic director of CreArte Latino, explains that “VOCES de la Maternidad” weaves together “the diverse narratives of Latina mothers, challenging historical norms and stereotypes surrounding motherhood. By exploring the complexities and dualities of this universal experience, we want to spark meaningful conversations and encourage a deeper understanding of the profound role of mothers within society,” she says. Franco adds that this creative endeavor is part of CreArte Latino's broader initiative to amplify the voices and perspectives of the regional Latino community, while promoting open dialogue on pertinent issues. 

Angélica Castro, a devoted advocate for the arts, brings her extensive experience as a performing arts instructor and longstanding volunteer at CreArte Latino to this project. Born in Colombia, Castro infuses her passion for storytelling into every aspect of her work.

Marcela Vanegas, a seasoned Colombian actress and presenter, shares Castro's commitment to leveraging art as a catalyst for community transformation. For Vanegas, art serves as a mirror reflecting the truths and memories of a community, offering a pathway to understanding and connection.

CreArte Latino was founded as a community theater in 2012 and in 2017 became CreArte Latino Cultural Center, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Under the guidance of co-founder and current producing artistic director Carolina Franco, CreArte has continued to expand its programming and youth and adult education opportunities, collaborating with artists from the Sarasota-Manatee region and throughout Latin America. The organization is also committed to serving as an information resource, hosting monthly forums for the Latino community on topics such as parenting, voting, and mental health.

To find out more about CreArte Latino Cultural Center, to donate or register for programs and events, visit www.creartelatino.org  or CreArte Latino on Facebook.

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