Third Micro-theater Festival de THT- Tallahassee Hispanic Theater- ESO!!! @TallyHispanicT #850Latinos

Tallahassee Hispanic Theater

HolaHolaHola Beautifuls! 

On this TBT, BB is doing a Twofer with THT. And just who/what is THT? It's a theater company that has become an integral part of Tallahassee's mundo artistico. 

" Tallahassee Hispanic Theater has been serving the Tallahassee community since 2016. With the dedication and passion of its founders, board, and community, THT has presented nine performances since its creation, including two amazing micro festivals! Every performance presents contemporary Hispanic theater, poetry, music, and more!"

( and now 3 micro festivals!!)

Babushka has enjoyed many an event by THT, and even has participated in one- in Español even! 

Pero now she's so feliz that you Beautifuls can see their obras too. For Free!!  Isn't virtual a wonderful thing??  But of course we miss our in person live performances tambien, and that's what the following reposting is about. Tallahassee Hispanic Theater, a gem for Tally and now hopefully for you.

July 31, 2018 

HolaHolaHola Beautifuls!

Y’all know Babushka is into The Arts, especially theater.  Cultivating cultura, especially when it’s not your typical mainstream type is one of BB’s amores.  As part of TWAM, Theater With a Mission, specializing in Spanish Golden Age plays and Palaver Tree Theater specializing in the history of community and opportunities for locals, Babushka thought that was about as diverse as North Florida was gonna get. Tallahassee Hispanic Theater, who’d of thunk it?  Bueno, BB’s amiga Alejandra did, and not only did she think about it, but she did it! Logro the dream of bringing modern plays written by Hispanic playwrights to Florida’s Capital. 

A little about Alejandra-
Alejandra Gutiérrez

“Alejandra has a PhD in Spanish. She also studied theater in Venezuela, and while going to graduate school, she was a member of the Spanish Theater Group at the University of Virginia. Since she moved to Tallahassee, she’s being working with Theater with a Mission, and recently with Polyphonic Bonsai. With Tallahassee Hispanic Theater she is turning one of her dreams into reality: creating a Hispanic Theater group in the US.”

And if you think this dream is only for the adult crowds, JU SO FONII!!!  Tallahassee Hispanic Theater has our hijos and futuro cultura very much al tanto.  Of course, to go to the future, one must know their past, so puppet shows of the classic, Don Quixote son perfecto.

And speaking of futures, Tallahassee Hispanic Theater just performed the first microtheater in North Florida.  Miami being the only other microtheater in the state, this is cosa grande, and as BB shared, BUENISIMO!!  Looking forward to next years offerings.

IG Post on Closing Night

Alejandra shared, "We’ve been doing Hispanic plays in translation since 2016. The micro theater Festival idea occurred to me because it is a format very popular and successful in Spain and Latin America. Since it was during the summer we wanted to do something fun and fresh, so we added live music, food and drinks and we were really surprised with the response we got. People really enjoy the whole event and we hope to do it every summer. We will continue doing a play during the fall and spring. On November 9-10, 15-16 we’ll be presenting our next play “Idiots Contemplating the Snow”, by Alejandro Ricaño at the Monticello Opera House.

As you can well imagine, BB is very proud of Alejandra, THT- Tallahassee Hispanic Theater and all the actors and audiences who have become of part of this diversification of Tallahassee voices. Not only is the public being exposed to offerings from varied Hispanic authors, they’re beginning to realize that “Hispanic” encompasses many different types and countries. Ya Buena Hora y Al Fin!!

So you can follow, cheer, and hopefully join us un dia.

Website:  http://tallahasseehispanictheater.org/

Feibu:  https://www.facebook.com/TallahasseeHispanicTheater/

Tweety: https://twitter.com/TallyHispanicT

Until the next curtain call Beautifuls!

BB2U

Politics & Play in Florida's Capitol- a la BB. #iHeartTally

HolaHolaHola Beautifuls!

No se ustedes, pero are y'all already running ragged? Or maybe supercharged?  How about getting dizzy from the pendulum swing entre los dos? 2016 and the S Sisters. Wow and woah. This was just one day in the states captol.

BB's on her way to Capitol at this hour.SI, it's THAT IIMPORTANTE. #immigration https://t.co/BGatfNbZdn #850Latinos pic.twitter.com/lHI6Ct3vcR

— bohemian babushka (@BBabushka) February 17, 2016

BB was up at 7 am; you KNOW it’s important for that to happen!

Tallahassee is Florida’s state capitol, and it has a feeling all its’ own. A place for laws, but also for laughter and lovely loitering amongst the history surrounding it.

Florida Supreme Court & Kleman Plaza

Another cause close to my ♡ #Arts in schools. #ChalkWalk #ihearttally

A photo posted by Bohemian Babushka (@bbabushka) on Feb 17, 2016 at 6:07am PST

Kappa SF students/mentors getting ready for 1030 am press conf. On Civil Citations #KAK2016 Kappas At the Kapital

A video posted by Bohemian Babushka (@bbabushka) on Feb 17, 2016 at 6:59am PST

Finally the #WeAreFlorida group, over 500 strong rallied at the New Capitol to state their case.

In Tally #Dreamers #WeAreFlorida #AntiDeportation 1st wave of demonstrators #SiSePuede

A video posted by Bohemian Babushka (@bbabushka) on Feb 17, 2016 at 7:21am PST

With some of Mi Gente #850Latinos #WeExist #WeAreFlorida #WeAreHere #TallyTeQuiere #ihearttally

A photo posted by Bohemian Babushka (@bbabushka) on Feb 17, 2016 at 9:09am PST

How wonderful to live in a country where we can do this peacefully. Even more wonderful when it’s done in such a beautiful setting.

Pero after that rally, BB needed to relax- and she knew exactly where she needed to go inTally to do just that. Right in the middle of the ciudad. Bella Lake Ella. Where ducks and decompression rule.

While there, my friend Maria Ortiz, founder/editor of Cultura Latina Magazine, introduced me to a local secret- a secret that’s been happening every Wednesday for the last 12 years, rain or shine.

Organized by Jennifer Taylor, Ph.D., Coordinator of the statewide Small Farm Program of FAMU, these local farmers share their best with Tallahassee.  Fresh from their farms, beehives, gardens, this group is friendly, fun, and very knowledgeable on their wares,wears, and whereabouts. Their products, handmade apparel,farm lore and histories were shared with candor, y Babushka learned and laughed mucho during my short time with them.

Pero, it was getting late, BB had started early, and it was time to go back home to Sweetie.  Ahora, y'all who know Babushka knows this isn't the typical day, this getting up early, rallying, health foods. So, where is the "a la BB" part del titulo?

Black Dog Cafe

Not drink this obviously angel sent elixir ??

JU SO FONII!!!

Definitivamente BB, just like Tallahassee.

#iHeartTally

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

Tala HA si - Here We Come!

At 9 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, Sweetie drove into Miami.  At 5 a.m. the following morning Babushka was driving to Orlando with him and my 7 year old grandson.  Here started my week with  El Dr.- an adventure I look back at with smiles, laughs, and gratitude for family, cafe, y multi-vitamins.

Of course from 9 - 11:30 pm we had to shop for supplies.  Queee???  BB go on a trip without her Popa purse full of snacks? JU SO FONII!!!  Pobre Sweetie had never gone on a trip shopping spree with Babushka PLUS he had never had children, so add the supplies needed for that to our spree.  Talk about baptism by fire!  Don't know if his eyes were bulging because of the long hours he had driven or because of the final shopping tally.

The next morning El Dr. was so excited about his trip to Tala HA si, that a 5 a.m. wake up call was greeted with smiles and no objections.  His dad said we should have videotaped that as proof during the school year that he WAS capable of waking up early.  Now BB, though just as happy as my grandson to be going back home to Tala HA si, needed some extra energy, and since breakfast is the most important meal of the day...

Ok si, maybe not what the nutritionists would prefer we have, but between the sugar & the fresh cafe, 

I knew the drive was going to be sweeter on every level.

Now El Dr. tried to follow suggestions to sleep

but instead kept us entertained and awake with questions and stories.

Not sure if it was excitement, or the knowledge that he had a captive audience, but the child didn't stop for 2 hours.  De veras.  We clocked it.

And we loved it.

El Dr. brought a new dimension and meaning into our lives and routine. 

Imagination, curiosity, and innocent, loving, never ending energy.

Questions that took us by surprise by their depth and honesty.

Stories that had us smiling, sniffling and stupified.

Grandparenting- it ain't for the slight of spirit.

Camping/Sleeping in our room in Tala Ha si

Matter of fact, when I asked the newly initiated Sweetie how he liked being called "Grandpa"  he said-

"I liked it.  I think I'm gonna be a good one."

MyCountrycottage.net

After a week of full time grandparenting,

El Dr & BB think so too.

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

P.S. Tala HA si  is how El Dr. pronounces the city of Tallahassee, the capital city of Florida. Not quite where BB and Grandpa Sweetie live, but close enough.

P.P.S. This is the final post on my week with El Dr. Go back and read Part 1 & Part 2, because you know you can't get enough of my grandson's cuteness.  ; )

BB- The Extra Extra

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!  This past Sunday Babushka was an Extra Extra. Quee??  JU SO FONII!!!  Ok si, it could be my size or how some consider me to be over the top, but this is about moviemaking. Oh my and Oh yeah.  Remember how BB said 2013 was going to be a year of firsts, favorites and fun? Bueno, I was told a college student was needing extras for his film and Babushka said, why not?  It would definitely fit the three F's and the only requisite was to show up dressed in a Christmas outfit.

Proof I'm Cubana- even in pictures I'm talking with my hands. 

The film is "Fools' Gold" and its' theme is greed, family, and love.  Pretty intense for a student film, but the filming was enjoyable. At least the crew and director were very nice- BB never did get to be part of the actual filming though.  Yeap. They looked at this crazy old lady with a dangling ornament in the ear for two hours before it dawned on anyone that I had mixed up the dates.

Babushka had showed up a day late- even for Cubantime that was too much.  But nothing lost and much gained.  I got to see Goodwood Museum and Gardens.  A beautiful, restored plantation which I've never seen in my seven years of living Up North in The South . Its Southern charm and history are well worth the visit and I plan to go back soon.

Don't know what was on the menu, but whatever it was was eaten in style.  Even the outdoor porch had fine china settings in place. Please take a moment to notice the names on the placecards. Miss Keller (as in Helen) and Tolstoy (as in Leo) had been guests at Goodwood.  Definitely returning to learn more about this remarkable Tallahassee landmark.

Continuing. Film making- what little I partook of, is fascinating.  How many components, and how many steps for each scene!

Lighting,props,equipment 

 Each part of production- sound, camera, director, they each explained what was expected of the actors and what would take place in every scene.

Notice the tape on the floor? Si, the "marks". They show actors and crew where to place themselves. 

Secrets of movie making

Now that all the explanations were done it was time to ... 

Green Room

wait.

I now understand why stars ask for some of the things they ask for. It truly is a "hurry up and wait" sort of routine, but BB didn't mind at all; Babushka was thoroughly entertained. I made friends with Dorothea Syleos, a very talented local actress I had seen perform Shakespeare, who was worried I hadn't been told my role there.  Poor mujer needn't have worried, as I said I had plenty to entertain myself with.  I had my iPod, my Babushka tools,

Babushka tools- makeup & fan

and the food.

 Si, the fabled production pounds, the food spread during filming is a fact.

  Maybe that's what finally made them question why BB was there.  

Let's be truthful, unlike Divas I don't have to watch my weight, so, free food??  

Ahuh. 'Nuff said.

; )

Esta bien, I didn't get into the film, but it was a nice adventure and I'm ready for my next one.

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

P.S.  Thanks to fellow TWAM  actor Jeffrey Mandel

for introducing me to this fun farandola that is film making.  

American Latino Heritage Fund Roadtrip- Recap

Babushka was asked to write a recap on her part of the American Latino Heritage Fund Roadtrip. Estan ready?  Day by day countdown (with links to the posts) and a fav moment/memory/fact of the place will be listed. Get your dancing shoes on My Beautifuls- a bailar rapido!!

Day 1- Tallahassee  De Soto Winter Encampment 

and the Museum of Florida History

This being my first interview/video, I didn't know who was more ill at ease- Dr. Daniel Seinfeld or BB. Still, along with embarrassed laughs we managed to get some facts in.

The second part of the day was spent at the Museum of Florida History examining 

"La Florida: Forever Changed". 

One of BB's fav paintings- by Xavier Cortada

And let's not forget the exclusive behind the scenes look at the lab with Conservator Catherine Sincich.

 This was too cool- BB felt like a combo Dexter and Indiana Jones. 

She had me at "chocolate"; check out my youtube channel to see what I mean.

Day 2- Tallahassee   Mission San Luis and TWAM

The beauty, history, and activities at Mission San Luis son digno of a full day visit- at the minimum!  Where Spaniards and the Apalachees learned to live together as two separate people, to then join together as a new breed.  Multi- cultural- ESO!!!

  

And of course it's always great to be amongst friends. 

TWAM -  Theater With A Mission

                       

                                   BB & Costume Mistress Gabrielle Reed

  

Ben Gunter, TWAM Director & BB

and for those who missed the mini intro on TWAM, here's the original 10 min. version.

Day 3- Bradenton   De Soto National Memorial

Such a vast, picturesque site on the waters of Bradenton, the De Soto National Memorial

has many things to be proud of.  The Rangers, the grounds, but what struck me the most of this place was its dedication to community- especially the youth.  If you'd like your children to learn/live history and the beauty of nature, this is definitely the place to go to.  They do not take their Jr. Ranger program lightly and one of BB's highpoints of this trip was being given an honorary Jr. Ranger Badge.  Thank you Ranger Jorge Acevedo for the badge and all the information that was bestowed along with it.

Mine and I'm not sharing.

Year round activities http://www.nps.gov/deso/planyourvisit/events.htm 

Feibu Fabuloso https://www.facebook.com/pages/De-Soto-National-Memorial/140942332612993

Day 4 - St. Augustine   Castillo de San Marcos 

Started in 1672 the fort of St. Augustine, the Castillo de San Marcos is still going strong and open to the public everyday except Christmas.  Plan at least 3 hours to visit, you don't want to be rushed during your travel back to time.  With the self-guided tours, the rangers talks and the re enactments it's very easy to find yourself in another era in this well maintained and proper example of Spanish colonization and construction.

  

Day 5- St. Augustine Beach    Fort Matanzas

Babushka could truly spend a whole day here at Fort Matanzas National Monument .  

Besides the beauty of the place, 

I could listen to this Ranger for hours!

My Beautifuls, gone are the days of the boring Park Rangers.  Today's Rangers are animated, make jokes, ask questions- they do the schtick to make it stick!!  A wonderful philosophy that I embrace wholeheartedly and I commend the National Park Service for training and encouraging this sort of storytelling to the people.

Day 6 -  Tampa      Ybor City Historical District

Ybor City, what can I say about it except- I wanna go back!!! 

 It's a town of contradiction, a town of extremes- perfecto for BB.  The power of determination and the styles of a simpler time, both are still evident in Ybor City.  The history of a time when cigars were king in Ybor and the community its' faithful and dedicated servants.  A time when honor was everything and management and labor respected their places and each other; together to be the best.

The Don Vicente de Ybor Historic Inn

BB relaxing on the porch of a worker's "casita"

And the Latino contribution of Ybor City? 

 Dr. Wallace Reyes does the honors:

Day 7 - Miami     Freedom Tower

400,000 Cubans went through these doors;

 the city of Miami- and the US

would never be the same. 

And so ends BB's recap.  Almost.  

Having made so many videos (unbelievable) I will now do my version of an acceptance/thank you speech.

To the Hispanicize team and Maria de los Angeles for believing in this vieja viajera,

to my fellow bloggers Alex de Carvalho, Cristy Clavijo-Kish, Eva Smith, Lance Rios and Roberto Rios III  for being so generous with their help and encouragement.

 to the sponsors- the American Latino Heritage Fund, GM Diversity and Verizon Wireless for their marvelous contributions, 

to the wonderful people BB interviewed who took time out of their lives to share their vast knowledge and experience,

to the Park Rangers who were terrific and oh so entertaining, 

and to you My Beautifuls for following my adventures and for bailando con migo.  

To all of you I say Mil Gracias and I can't wait to do it again for VivaFlorida 500!

; )

Nos vemos prontos.

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

P.S.  Por supuesto there are more people and organizations (Visit Florida,Florida's Historic Coast,Visit Bradenton)   I need to thank and highlight in future posts, and I will- I promise.  Just let me get a chance to buy some new dancing shoes; I kinda wore these out.

P.P.S.  There will be a recap Tweety Fiesta next week- I'll keep you posted.