Whitworth Theatre Presents the University’s First Bilingual Production "La Algajira"
February 12, 2020
On Friday, March 6, Whitworth University will debut an original bilingual play, La Algajira. Incorporating English and Spanish, it will be both the university’s first bilingual play and the first production staged in the newly renovated Cowles Auditorium.
Written and directed by Naphtali Fields-Forbes, Whitworth visiting assistant professor of theatre, La Algajira tells the story of Central American villagers forced to search for a better life. The play was inspired by Fields-Forbes’ research trip to Central America in 2018.
“While the mainstream media was focusing on the separation of families at the border and the so-called caravans of migrants traveling north from Guatemala, the forces that compel people to leave their home were either generalized or ignored,” Fields-Forbes says. “This play is based on conversations and collaborations with rural community members who have personally experienced the many factors that motivate people to find a better life elsewhere.”
The production team is comprised of students from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Together, they and the actors will use visual storytelling, song, puppetry and movement to communicate across linguistic barriers.
Show times are March 6, 7, 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. and March 8 and 15 at 2 p.m. Doors will open 30 minutes prior to curtain time.
Tickets: Adults, $15; seniors and students, $12. Purchase tickets at www.whitworth.edu/theatretickets.
About Whitworth University:
Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church. The university, which has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Contacts:
Kim Dawson, theatre department program assistant, Whitworth University, (509) 777-3707 or kdawson@whitworth.edu
Trisha Coder, media relations manager, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu
“While the mainstream media was focusing on the separation of families at the border and the so-called caravans of migrants traveling north from Guatemala, the forces that compel people to leave their home were either generalized or ignored,” Fields-Forbes says. “This play is based on conversations and collaborations with rural community members who have personally experienced the many factors that motivate people to find a better life elsewhere.”
The production team is comprised of students from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Together, they and the actors will use visual storytelling, song, puppetry and movement to communicate across linguistic barriers.
Show times are March 6, 7, 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. and March 8 and 15 at 2 p.m. Doors will open 30 minutes prior to curtain time.
Tickets: Adults, $15; seniors and students, $12. Purchase tickets at www.whitworth.edu/theatretickets.
About Whitworth University:
Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church. The university, which has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Contacts:
Kim Dawson, theatre department program assistant, Whitworth University, (509) 777-3707 or kdawson@whitworth.edu
Trisha Coder, media relations manager, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu
