Type to search

Tea

National Queer Theater To Debut Javier Rivera DeBruin’s ‘Luciérnagas’ at 14th Street Y

Share

National Queer Theater will present Javier Rivera DeBruin’s riveting new play Luciérnagas at 14th Street Y Theater in Manhattan from November 11-30, 2021. Luciérnagas is co-presented by the Theater at the 14th Street Y.

A semi-finalist for the 2019 New Dramatists Princess Grace Award, Luciérnagas is a story about heritage, legacy, and forgiveness. When Mal’s maternal grandmother Lupe dies, she inherits a mysterious cabin in the woods. While visiting this small house for the first time, Mal encounters her estranged mother Silvia, the ghost of her grandmother, and a bioluminescent child named Xara who lives in the walls. Silvia declares ownership of the cabin, Mal struggles to break free from old patterns, and Xara demands to be seen. All the while, they parse through possessions, secrets, and family dynamics, over a weekend they won’t soon forget.

“Javier Rivera DeBruin’s work is a poetic reminder of the bonds of family, and the queerness of modern life. Luciérnagas, directed by the incomparable Carlos Armesto, represents the very best of new LGBTQ theater in New York City and the future of the American Theater, which is more inclusive, beautiful, and transformative. We are so grateful at National Queer Theater to be a part of developing this beautiful show,” said Adam Odsess-Rubin, Founding Artistic Director of National Queer Theater.

“We are striving to deconstruct single story narratives that the American Theater has told for so long. We fill this void by celebrating immigrant stories, refocusing resources to produce as many works by people of color, and advancing opportunities for underrepresented communities. Luciérnagas offers that fresh perspective, with a lens on Latiné culture that will enrich the fabric of theater experiences for audiences in New York City. Luciérnagas’ company and creative team is over 90 percent people of color, queer artists, and women.” said Douglas Dubois Sebamala, Managing Director of National Queer Theater.

Luciérnagas (Spanish for “fireflies”) stars Teresa Yenque, Alexandra Taylor, Gary Dooley, Gabriela Garcia-Castro and Yasha Lelonek.

“I’ve been a fan of Javi’s work since we first met to work on Luciérnagas a few years ago. Their moving poetry, rich characters, and open spirit are what hooked me in, from the beginning,” said the director of Luciérnagas, Carlos Armesto.

“The 14th St. Y Theater honors the edgy, diverse, and rich history of innovative culture making in the East Village and is committed to offering a platform for new voices. Luciérnagas, written by someone who identifies as both queer and Latiné, blurs the line between the normal and the paranormal with skillful grace while still being a very relatable story about mothers and daughters. It speaks to theater’s ability to be both diverse and universal at the same time—the kind of work we hope to provide to our audiences, challenging the viewer to see themselves in others,” said Kryssy Wright, Production Manager at 14th St. Y.

Tickets for Luciérnagas may be purchased via the Theater at the 14th Street Y website. General admission is $25. Tickets may also be purchased by calling 646-395-4310 or in person at the 14th Street Y (at the corner of 14th St. and 1st Ave.). All tickets are subject to a $2.99 servicing fee.

 

About The Theater at the 14th Street Y

The Theater at the 14th Street Y focuses on social awareness and change through big picture narrative. Inspired by works that welcome artists of all backgrounds, we place artists at the heart of our community and seek to create an inclusive and open cultural experience for all. Art is incubated here.

We are a vibrant community center grounded in the belief that contemporary Jewish sensibilities can be a source of inspiration, connection, and learning for the individuals and families we serve throughout Downtown Manhattan. We focus on health and fitness, education and enrichment programs, and innovative arts and cultural programming. We are committed to the development of the whole person and bettering people’s lives and strengthening individual and family connections by building an inclusive, vibrant, and sustainable community.

The 14th Street Y is part of Educational Alliance’s network of community centers in Lower Manhattan. A nonprofit beacon of hope for over 130 years, Educational Alliance believes in the power of communities to lift up people of all ages and turn strangers into neighbors. Guided by Jewish values, we believe strong communities can transform lives and we offer high-quality, affordable education programs, health services, and diverse cultural enrichment right where New Yorkers live and raise their families. Our community centers make the city a brighter, friendlier and more supportive place by offering multi-generational programs that push boundaries and break barriers, sharing critical tools to foster relationships and advance the well-being of people in New York City.

Luciérnagas is made possible in part with public funds from Creative Engagement, supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature and administered by LMCC. This production is also made possible by the generous support of The Sparkjoy Foundation.

Tags: