INVISIBLE AND VOICELESS: UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS IN LONG ISLAND

This workshop will use Image Theater from Augusto Boal-Theater of the Oppressed to explore the concept of Immigration and cultural dominance in America.  Image Theatre uses the body as a tool of representing relationships, ideas, feelings. Using exercises we will explore the concept of displacement of people as a forced movement from their local, environment and occupational activities. Through sculpting participants’ bodies, student will create images that reflect the sculptor’s impression and will to explore internal or external oppression, unconscious thoughts and feelings about the perception of the “other.”

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Presented By

Margarita Espada has traveled the world in her careers as an artist, educator and cultural organizer, training in physical approach to theater practice.  She is the founder and executive-artistic director of Teatro Yerbabruja, based on Long Island that uses the arts as a tool for social change. She is the director of the Puerto Rican /Hispanic Parade in Brentwood and the founder of Yerbabruja Arts Center in Central Islip. She is a faculty member at the Department of Theater Art – Suffolk County Community College.
 
Margarita received her Master of Fine Arts in Dramaturgy from Stony Brook University (New York). She has received numerous awards and proclamations for her leadership and community work including  2016 “Martin  Luther King Meritorious Award”, 2015 “Suffolk County Human Rights Commission Community Award”, 2015 “Community Advocate of the Year”  from Brentwood Chamber of Commerce, 2015 NAACP  Islip Award for promoting civic rights, talents and prosperity  for all people , 2014  “Long Islander who has made a Difference” from Long Island Progressive Coalition, 2012 Long Island Jobs with Justice award for the dedication to Social Justice,  2011 “Cultural Activist” Award from Central American Refuge Center, 2010 “Community advocate of the Year” from the Working Family Party,  2006 “Woman of the Year” award from the Latin American Chamber of Commerce & Industry of New York for her contributions to the arts on Long Island among others.