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Kimberly Santana started at central New York’s only Spanish-language pre-professional theater, La Joven Guardia del Teatro Latino, when she was 5. When she stopped performing at age 12, Santana returned to her childhood theater, being the oldest among nine other cast members, including her younger brother.

“What brought me back was seeing my younger brother do what I did at a similar age, and that just opened doors for me,” Santana said. “And then I saw all the other kids, and I want to continue to see their growth and see La Joven Guardia be what it was for me.”

“La Vida es Sueño,” based on the 1636 play by Calderón de la Barca, has been in production since January. The cast, between the ages of 7-to-13 with 20-year-old Santana as the outlier, has come together to perform for Latine Heritage Month — an annual theater tradition at La Joven Guardia. The performance, funded through the Onondaga County Arts Agency Funding administered by CNY Arts, is on stage from Wednesday through Saturday.

La Joven Guardia Owner, José Miguel Hernandez, directed the Spanish-language philosophical play. He had help from his assistant director, 18-year-old Lily Beckman, and Syracuse University acting instructor Brad Beckman, who adapted the play — which follows a prince who questions the meaning of life while in confinement.

Solange Jain | Asst. Photo Editor

The cast of La Vida es Sueño rehearses an intense scene in the play inside their vibrant and colorful studio space. La Vida es Sueño translates to “Life is a Dream” and is a Spanish-language play written by Pedro Calderón de la Barca, adapted by Brad Beckman and directed by José Miguel Hernández Hurtado.

This year’s production incorporates projections created by Brad and encompasses the entire theater to immerse the audience in the story. Lily said this is the most technologically advanced play she has been part of since joining La Joven Guardia.

Hernandez said the original play script, which was inscrutable for kids because of its complex vocabulary and philosophical themes, had to be simplified for the young cast.

“We just want to make sure they at least have this experience,” Hernandez said. “And then they have something they can remember in the future.”

Hernandez, who founded the theater in 1999, said he chose this year’s play to expose local children to classic literature adapted from Spanish-speaking countries. Every play is in Spanish to help children in the company keep its culture and learn more about the language.

Despite initial challenges, such as learning and remembering the script, Santana said the cast members eased into their roles. Eleven-year-old Isandra Acosa, who plays King Basilo, could not read or speak Spanish initially and fretted about her lines during the play’s early rehearsals. Now, Santana said she emits confidence in her performance.

When Santana was young, she experienced the same stress as Acosa, even though she didn’t recognize it until later. As a perfectionist who is now aiding the cast, she appreciates her time in theater.

“Seeing the kids do the same, it’s really beautiful and that’s why I do it,” Santana said.

Once or twice a week, the cast rehearsed the play, which many actors described as becoming increasingly difficult as they entered a new school year. However, many friendships have sprouted from the program.

Solange Jain | Asst. Photo Editor

Two cast members embrace each other after the end of a scene, showcasing the love and support they have for each other. La Joven Guardia del Teatro aims to create a pre-professional theater environment that teaches the arts as well as skills for personal growth.

Romina Rosario Flores, an 8-year-old actor in the play, said she loves La Joven Guardia and has met some of the best and funniest people she’s ever met despite the age differences.

Along with the cast and director, other crew members include the cast’s families. The actors’ parents, grandparents and siblings helped manage the production set and keep the young performers focused.

“The best part about it is that La Joven Guardia is all about bringing the community together and us not having a professional crew and having these actors being children,” Lily said. “It shows you that this community is growing and how much more people want to pitch in.”

Published on October 9, 2024 at 11:02 pm

hroy02@syr.edu