Last spring, I learned that I was a recipient for the Far South/Border North grant. I’m one of about 60 individual artists and cultural practitioners working to create campaigns that raise awareness of crucial issues affecting our San Diego and Imperial counties communities as part of Far South/Border North. As I've gone on this journey, I've learned about the air quality affecting the bordertown of San Ysidro, CA. I was born in Tijuana and raised in Southern California, so I've spent my whole life passing through San Ysidro. I've spent countless hours in a car as it inched its way north through the San Ysidro border crossing. I never once thought about the environmental impact of that border crossing, or the air, or the communities that have to breathe that in, until now. So I'm doing what I do when I need to unpack/process heavy or troubling subjects, which is write a play. It's called Somos Aire. I am honored to collaborate with the incredible artist and sculptor Johnny Bear Contreras who will be doing the set and prop pieces. There will be a community workshop for youth. There will be a performance of the play Somos Aire at Casa Familiar's El Salon theatre space on April 27. More details to come on the performance later, but for now...if you know any young people ages 14-24 in the Southbay who'd like to participate in the free workshop, they can register here. Space is limited and there is a financial stipend for participants who attend all sessions. And there will be snacks! This is an opportunity to make theatre, learn about environmental justice, and experience art as a powerful tool for building community awareness.
Feel free to contact me for more info!