FUENTEOVEJUNA: EAST END

ANNA LA GITANA

Elvia Bennett nació en Colombia y se trasladó a los Estados Unidos hace aproximadamente 25 años. En la actualidad trabaja como Administradora de una Propiedad. También practica Yoga y a veces enseña. Hace parte de una organización de mujeres llamada " Congreso de La Mujer Latina". Cuando fue invitada a participar en Fuenteovejuna, se emocionó mucho porque es una gran oportunidad no solo para su crecimiento personal, sino ante todo la oportunidad de conectar y unir a la comunidad Latina.

Elvia Bennett was born in Colombia and moved to the United States approximately 25 years ago. She currently works as a Property Manager. She also practices yoga and occasionally teaches. She is part of a women's organization called Congreso de la Mujer Latina. When she was invited to participate in Fuenteovejuna, she was thrilled because it is a great opportunity not only for her personal growth, but above all, an opportunity to connect and unite the Latina community.

PASCUALA

Tamy Calapucha tiene 19 años. Ella es procedente de Ecuador, el país de los cuatro mundos. Ella vive en Hampton Bays con su mamá. Le gusta el baile, el arte y la música. Se enorgullece formar parte de esta obra que es una excelente demostración de lo que se vive desde épocas anteriores hasta la actualidad. Pero que con una sola voz, puede cambiar el rumbo de las cosas.

Tamy Calapucha is 19 years old. She is originally from Ecuador, the land of four worlds. She lives in Hampton Bays with her mom. She enjoys dance, art, and music. She is proud to be part of this work, which is an excellent demonstration of what has been happening since ancient times. But with just one voice, we can change the course of things

ORTUNO

Christian Camilo Díaz es un actor colombiano criado en Londres, Inglaterra. Actualmente reside en la ciudad de Nueva York tras graduarse del estudio de actuación Stella Adler. Sus papeles recientes incluyen: Hamlet en "Hamlet" de Shakespeare, Bottom en "Sueño de una noche de verano", Weston Hurley en "El 5 de julio" y Baylor en "Una mentira de la mente".

Christian Camilo Diaz is a Colombian born actor raised in London, England. He is currently residing in New York City after having graduated from The Stella Adler studio of acting. His recent roles include: Hamlet in Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’, Bottom in ‘A midsummer night's dream’, Weston Hurley in ‘Fifth of July’, and Baylor in ‘A Lie of the Mind’.

JUEZ

Wilfredo Diaz nació en Colombia. Él es escritor y divulgador de crecimiento personal. Después de emigrar al Reino Unido se dedicó a promover el liderazgo y crecimiento personal y a realizar su sueño como escritor. Actualmente participa en proyectos literarios y de arte, como el teatro en obras como Fuenteovejuna East End la cual ha encontrado como un maravilloso medio para representar sus raíces y cultura.

Wilfredo Diaz was born in Colombia. He is a writer and promoter of personal growth. After emigrating to the United Kingdom, he dedicated himself to promoting leadership and personal growth and to realizing his dream as a writer. He currently participates in literary and artistic projects, such as theater and plays like Fuenteovejuna East End, which he has found to be a wonderful medium to represent his roots and culture.

VALENTINA (INFLUENCER)

Heidy Escudero is Colombiana-ecuatoriana. Ella es comunicadora social. Ella trabaja para OLA desde hace más de 3 años. Le encanta bailar. Tiene 2 hijos, una niña de 14 años y un niño de 9 años. Ella vive en Hampton Bays. Heidy está muy feliz de hacer parte de esta maravillosa obra de teatro. Siempre soñó con actuar pero nunca antes tuve la oportunidad de hacerlo.

Heidy Escudero is Colombian-Ecuadorian. She is a social communicator. She has been working for OLA for over three years. She loves dancing. She has two children, a 14-year-old daughter and a 9-year-old son. She lives in Hampton Bays. She is so happy to be part of this wonderful theater production. She has always dreamed of acting but never had the opportunity to do so before.

Margarita Espada (MFA) is an award-winning  performer, educator, cultural maker, researcher, and activist in the fields and studies of physical theater, body and embodiments, settlers-colonialism, race, ethnicity and migration. 

Margarita  is the founder and director of Teatro Experimental Yerbabuja, an art organization with the mission to use the arts as a tool for social change (www.teatroyerbabruja.org).  She is part of the faculty at the Department of Women Study at Stony Brook University where she teaches theater and activism.

Margarita received her Master of Fine Art in Dramaturgy  from Stony Brook University and her Bachelor of Art in Education from Puerto Rico University. She is a New York State and Puerto Rico-certified theater teacher with over 30 years of experience as an educator, performer, playwright, arts activist, and cultural and community organizer.   

Margarita has conducted research, supported school and organization change efforts, and facilitated  professional learning around applied theater, culturally responsive practice, curriculum design, problem solving, and reflective communication.  Margarita advocates on the importance of arts and culture for the social and economic well-being of the local and global community. Her work advancing the art of LatinX, Black, Indigenous, and artists of color on Long Island has made her one of the most prominent leaders in Long Island.  She is a board member for the New York State Dance Force, and a member of the Arts Advisory Council for the Suffolk County Legislature.

She has received numerous awards and proclamations for her leadership, her art  and community work including 2021 Faces of Long Island, Newsday, 2018 Martin Luther King Living Legend Award, NAACP Islip, NY, 2018. Her work has been reviewed in the New York Times and by the Associated Press, Newsday, and numerous other media outlets.

Photo courtesy of Newsday.

ESTEBAN/PADRE DE LAURENCIA

Andrés Espinosa es originario de Colombia y actualmente vive en East Hampton con su esposa Adriana y sus dos hijos, Bella y Josh. Trabaja como Director de Finanzas de OLA. Le encantan los deportes y está muy emocionado de formar parte del proyecto Fuenteovejuna, ya que permite al elenco compartir un poderoso mensaje de unidad y resiliencia, algo que la comunidad realmente necesita.

Andres Espinosa is originally from Colombia and currently lives in East Hampton with his wife Adriana and their two children, Bella and Josh. He works as the Director of Finance for OLA. He enjoys sports and is very excited to be part of the Fuenteovejuna project, as it allows the cast to share a powerful message of unity and resilience—something the community truly needs.

TERESA

Hazel Betzabeth Benalcázar Estrada, nació el 6 de agosto de 2014 en Quito, Ecuador. Su padre es Andrés Benalcázar y su madre es Maytee Estrada. Inició sus estudios en la Unidad Educativa Santo Domingo de Guzmán. Practica Ballet desde los 3 años, ha participado en varias competiciones y recitales artísticos. Viajó a Estados Unidos hace 3 años junto a sus padres, continúa con su formación académica en John Marshall Elementary  school , combina la escuela con actividades como la natación, deporte con el que ha obtenido varias medallas y desarrolla sus habilidades en el baile, también ha logrado varios trofeos y reconocimientos. Es una niña inteligente, risueña, perseverante y con un gran corazón lleno de bondad.

Hazel Betzabeth Benalcázar Estrada was born on August 6, 2014, in Quito, Ecuador. Her father is Andrés Benalcázar and her mother is Maytee Estrada. She began her studies at the Santo Domingo de Guzmán Educational Unit. She has been practicing ballet since she was 3 years old and has participated in various competitions and artistic recitals. She traveled to the United States three years ago with her parents and continues her academic education at John Marshall Elementary School. She combines school with activities such as swimming, a sport in which she has won several medals and develops her dance skills. She has also won several trophies and awards. She is an intelligent, cheerful, and persevering girl with a big heart full of kindness.

INES

Erika Figueroa es mexicana, y vive con su marido y sus tres bendiciones. Le gusta el arte y le encanta cantar. Su prioridad son sus hijos, que estudien y sean personas de bien.

Erika Figueroa is Mexican and lives with her husband and her three blessings. She enjoys art and loves to sing. Her priority is her children, helping them study and become good people.

MARCELA

Lucy Garduno es de Lima, Perú. Ella vive y trabaja en Sag Harbor en un Market. Soy soltera y me gusta la música, coser y la pintura. Pertenecer en la obra representando a Marcela, una esposa de un poblador que se gana la vida vendiendo agua la hace muy feliz por la oportunidad. El mensaje es de justicia colectiva y la defensa de la libertad ante la opresión. Un pueblo unido puede resistir el abusó de poder y defender sus derechos.

Lucy Garduno is from Lima, Peru. She lives and works in Sag Harbor in a market. She is single, likes music, sewing and painting. Being part of the play representing Marcela, the wife of a resident who makes a living selling water made me very happy for the opportunity. The message is of collective Justice and the defense of freedom in the face of oppression. A united people can resist the abuse of power and defend their rights.

PADRE

Germán Calderón Herrera (Armenia, Quindio, Colombia, 9 de diciembre de 1986) es un actor Colombiano, puesto en escena gracias a la escuela de artes escénicas del instituto de cultura Pereira. Destacándose por el realismo en sus personajes. Debido al método de investigación y puesta en práctica de las enseñanzas de sus grandes maestros como Claudia López, Alexey Valencia, Fanuer Londoño, Andrés Aparicio, la profe Krol y demás maestros de expresión corporal, técnica vocal, dramaturgia e investigación. Sus padres, Adela Herrera y Rigoberto Calderón, fueron un pilar muy grande para lograr sus objetivos. Hace casi 20 años se había retirado de la puesta en escena. Hasta que fue reclutado y volvió a traer a escena, a Alonso párroco de Fuenteovejuna.

Germán Calderón Herrera (Armenia, Colombia, December 9, 1986) is a Colombian actor, brought to the stage by the Performing Arts School of the Pereira Institute of Culture. He stands out for the realism of his characters. He is also known for his research method and the practical application of the teachings of his great teachers such as Claudia López, Alexey Valencia, Fanuer Londoño, Andrés Aparicio, Professor Krol, and other masters of body expression, vocal technique, dramaturgy, and research. His parents, Adela Herrera and Rigoberto Calderón, were a huge support in achieving his goals. He had retired from acting almost 20 years ago. Until now, when he was recruited and returned to the stage bringing Alonso, the parish priest of Fuenteovejuna, to the stage.

BARRILDO

Daniel Jimbo Cuencano tiene 32 años. Disfruto escuchar, bailar y practicar la música de los ritmos tropicales.El es graduado de la Universidad Católica de Cuenca como periodista, donde disfrutaba de hacer radio en deportes y comerciales. Su deporte favorito es el voley y le encantan las mascotas.

Daniel Jimbo is 32 years old and from Cuenca, Ecuador. He enjoys listening to music, dancing, and practicing tropical music and rhythms. He graduated from the Catholic University of Cuenca with a degree in journalism. He enjoys doing sports and commercials on the radio. His favorite is volleyball and he loves pets.

FLORES

Mauricio Leguízamo Colombo Americano, residente en Moriches, cineasta de profesión y artista social por pasión. Razón por la cual hace parte de esa obra, tiene un mensaje poderoso para la comunidad Hispana. Para Mauricio, son una fuerza muy grande, cuando se unen para trabajar por una meta lo logran a través del amor y sacrificio.

Mauricio Leguízamo is a Colombian-American resident of Moriches, a filmmaker by profession and a social artist by passion. This is why he is part of this work; it has a powerful message for the Hispanic community. For Mauricio, they are a tremendous force and when they unite to work toward a goal, they achieve it through love and sacrifice.

SEBASTIANA/MADRE

Julieta Medina es colombiana y tiene 45 años. Ella vive hace 5 años en los Estados Unidos. Ella tiene 3 hijos. Actualmente trabaja en limpieza y es preparadora de formas migratorias. Ella tiene conocimientos en hospitalidad, servicio al cliente, contabilidad, administración y archivo. Le gusta bailar, viajar y el teatro. La salud mental es su prioridad.

Julieta Medina is Colombian and 45 years old. She has lived in the US for 5 years. She has 3 children. She currently works in cleaning and she prepares immigration forms. She has experience in hospitality, customer service, accounting, administration, and filing. She enjoys dancing, traveling, and theater. Mental health is her priority.

FRONDOSO

Marvin Vasquez es orgullosamente de Guatemala. Actualmente vive en riverhead con su familia, que me ha apoyado incondicionalmente en todo este proceso. Se siente orgulloso de estar participando en la primera obra en español en el teatro guild hall y representar a nuestra comunidad latina como personas que vivimos el arte en nuestros corazones.

Marvin Vasquez is proudly Guatemalan. He currently lives in Riverhead with his family, who has supported him unconditionally throughout this entire process. He is proud to be participating in the first Spanish-language play at Guild Hall Theatre and to represent our Latino community as people who live art in our hearts.

Minerva Perez is the executive director of OLA of Eastern Long Island, where she centers her work on the protection, empowerment, and celebration of our Latino community through OLA’s mission to create a safer, healthier, and more equitable East End region for all. As an advocate and an artist, she relishes being in the uncomfortable spaces where love and understanding can grow. 

Ms. Perez holds a theatre arts degree from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. She founded and ran a theatre company for 8 years in NYC.  In addition to acting in theatre, film, and television, she has directed and produced independent films and local theatre productions including the only Spanish language version of the Vagina Monologues on the East End as well as the English version featuring cast members Brooke Shields, Blythe Danner, and Julie White. She has curated more than 10 OLA Latino Film Festivals which feature Spanish language films with English subtitles meant to bridge cultural interests and create harmony and understanding. She has created and produces two OLA shows on LTV meant to highlight community members and guests of all backgrounds and disciplines: “Conversations with OLA” and “Sabor con OLA”. 

OLA of Eastern Long Island works to create a more equitable East End for Latino immigrants through advocating for just and inclusive government and school policies; protecting families; nurturing power and unity among Latinos through leadership workshops and other programs; and building bridges among different sectors of the East End community through celebrating arts and culture.

https://www.olaofeasternlongisland.org

SILVANA/REPORTERO

Silvana Pilco es originaria de Ecuador y vive en East-Hampton con su familia que está conformada por tres miembros. Le gusta la música, la cocina y el arte. Trabaja limpiando casas. Para ella es un honor ser parte de este gran elenco de actores. En lo personal ha enriquecido sus conocimientos debido a la diversidad de culturas, tradiciones y edades.

Silvana Pilco is originally from Ecuador and lives in East Hampton with her family of three. She enjoys music, cooking, and art. She works as a housecleaner. She feels honored to be part of this great cast of actors. It has enriched her knowledge due to the diversity of cultures, traditions, and ages.

JACINTA

Génesis Polo es de la República Dominicana. Tiene 15 años y vive en Hampton Bays. Le gusta el teatro y la ciencia. Está feliz de participar en esta obra de teatro y le da las gracias a Minerva y Margarita. También le agradeció a su mama que es la que ha hecho posible que asista.

Genesis Polo is from the Dominican Republic. She is 15 years old and lives in Hampton Bays. She likes theater and science. She is happy to participate in this play and she thanks Minerva and Margarita. She also thanks her mom who is the one who has made it possible for her to attend.

CARLOTA

Evelin Portillo es madre orgullosa de cuatro hijos y dos perritos que son parte esencial de su familia. Originaria de Guatemala Reside en Manorville, NY, y es la Coordinadora de Mercadeo y Diseño en OLA del Este de Long Island. Evelin aporta una valiosa perspectiva multicultural a su trabajo, respaldada por una formación académica en diseño en Italia y España. Apasionada por el diseño y la curiosidad está comprometida con su comunidad, Evelin disfruta pasar tiempo con su familia y dar largas caminatas por la playa. Aunque no tiene experiencia en teatro, ama ser parte de esta producción tan importante para la comunidad.

Evelin Portillo is a proud mother of four children and two dogs who are an essential part of her family. Originally from Guatemala, she resides in Manorville, NY, and is the Marketing and Design Coordinator at OLA Eastern Long Island. Evelin brings a valuable multicultural perspective to her work, supported by an academic background in design in Italy and Spain. Passionate about design and curious, she is committed to her community and enjoys spending time with her family and taking long walks on the beach. Although she has no experience in theater, she loves being part of this important production for the community.

EDILIA SAINZ

Lina Pulgarin nació en Colombia. Ella es escritora, coach, conferencista. Estudió mercadeo y publicidad, en el colombo europeo de pereira emigrando al reino unido, se dedicó a enfocarse en su gran sueño que ha sido siempre la escritura y el liderazgo, adhiriendo estudios como el coaching para la felicidad, mercadeo emocional y todo lo relacionado con el crecimiento personal, ayudando a recuperar autoconfianza y autoestima. Actualmente se encuentra disfrutando de su papel en la maravillosa obra Fuenteovejuna, donde su personaje nos adornará con sus flores.

Lina Pulgarin was born in Colombia. She is a writer, coach, and speaker. She studied marketing and advertising at the Colombian European University in Pereira. After emigrating to the United Kingdom, she dedicated herself to focusing on her greatest dream, which has always been writing and leadership, incorporating studies such as happiness coaching, emotional marketing, and everything related to personal growth, helping to regain self-confidence and self-esteem. She is currently enjoying her role in the wonderful play Fuenteovejuna, where her character will grace us with her flowers.

LAURENCIA

Grace Quizhpi es originaria de Ecuador. Ella vive en Hampton Bays con su bebe de 2 años. Le gusta pasar tiempo con su hijo y su familia ya que han sido su apoyo incondicional en este proceso. Se siente emocionada y honrada de pertenecer a esta primera producción en español.

Grace Quizhpi is originally from Ecuador. She lives in Hampton Bays with her 2-year-old baby. She enjoys spending time with her son and family, as they've been her unwavering support throughout this process. She is thrilled and honored to be a part of this first Spanish-language production.

OLIVIA

Ana Sofía Rengifo nació en Aruba “the happy Island” y vive en East Hampton. Ella tiene 11 años y está terminando el 5 grado. Ella quiere ser veterinaria o pediatra. Ana Practica natación, voleibol y saxofón. Le gusta el teatro, bailar y pintar. Tiene 2 hermanos. Ana es una niña muy feliz y segura de mí misma.

Ana Sofía Rengifo was born in Aruba, "the happy island," and lives in East Hampton. She is 11 years old. She is currently finishing fifth grade. She wants to be a veterinarian or a pediatrician. She swims, plays volleyball, and plays the saxophone. She enjoys theater, dancing, and painting. She has two brothers. Ana is a very happy and confident girl.

EL COMENDADOR

Carlos Alberto Calva Romero tiene 40 años de edad y nació en Guayaquil (Ecuador). Él es odontólogo y tiene dos hermosos hijos, Angie de 10 años, y Matías de 13 años. Cuando migró a los Estados Unidos nunca imaginó retomar una de sus mayores aficiones como es la actuación y la oportunidad de volver a participar en una obra teatral, como FUENTEOVEJUNA. Le llena de mucha alegría porque puedo compartir con muchas personas de diversas culturas y dar a conocer la unión y perseverancia de la comunidad latina, inspirado y motivado sobre manera por la gran responsabilidad adquirida en esta obra.

Carlos Alberto Calva Romero is 40 years old and was born in Guayaquil (Ecuador). He is a dentist and has two beautiful children, Angie,10, and Matias,13. When he migrated to the United States he never imagined he would resume one of his greatest hobbies such as acting and the opportunity to participate again in a play, like FUENTEOVEJUNA. This fills him with great joy because he can share with many people from different cultures and make known the unity and perseverance of the Latino community, inspired and motivated above all by the great responsibility acquired in this play.

Karen Sánchez es la gerente de programas de OLA. Ella es Colombiana y vive en Hampton Bays. Le gusta viajar, la jardinería, la comedia, el senderismo, CrossFit, correr, el snowboard y cocinar. Le encanta pasar tiempo con su familia, amigos y su perro, Copper. Ama ayudar a la gente y reunir a su comunidad.

Karen Sanchez is the program manager for OLA. She is originally from Colombia and currently lives in Hampton Bays. She enjoys travelling, gardening, comedy, hiking, CrossFit, running, snowboarding, and cooking. She is happiest spending time with family, friends, and her dog, Copper. She loves helping people and bringing her community together.

MENGO

Carlos Omar Tello nació en la República Argentina. Comenzó sus estudios en diferentes escuelas de teatro a  los 17 años. Luego se perfeccionó en peluquería teatral y maquillaje artístico participando en competiciones logrando premios nacionales e internacionales. Ahora desde hace muchos años trabajó en Nueva York, en Los Hampton.

Carlos Omar Tello was born in Argentina. He began his studies at various theater schools at the age of 17. He then advanced his skills in theatrical hairdressing and makeup, participating in competitions and winning national and international awards. He has worked in New York City and the Hamptons for many years.

Me llamo Erika Vargas y soy de México, pero vivo en Southampton. Trabajo para OLA of Eastern Long Island como Asistente Ejecutiva de Minerva y también soy la Asociada de Producción de esta maravillosa producción. Me encanta pasar tiempo con mi familia y amigos, leer, el arte, la música y mis mascotas.

My name is Erika Vargas and I am from Mexico but I live in Southampton. I work for OLA of Eastern Long Island as Minerva’s Executive Support and I am also the Production Associate for this wonderful production. I love spending time with family & friends, reading, the arts, music, and my pets.