Dear Educator:

As one of the leading Latino theaters in the nation, we are proud to be at the heart of DC’s dynamic and diverse cultural landscape. At GALA, culture and language are never barriers but always bridges, uniting us across boundaries, reaffirming our identity, and awakening our passion.  GALA invites you, as a valuable educator of the Spanish language and/or social sciences, to make the theatre-going experience an integrated part of your curriculum. 

For student matinee performances, GALA is pleased to offer:

• Post-performance discussions with the actors, director, and invited guests.
• A copy of the script in Spanish (available on demand)
• Supplementary materials providing background information on the play, playwrights, historical context, as well as suggested readings

Student Groups of 10 or more pay $15 per ticket for all matinees. Teachers receive one free ticket per every 20 students who attend the performance.  

To make reservations for student matinees of the following productions, please contact GALA at (202) 234-7174:

• Cita a ciegas/Blind Date (September 20-October 14, 2007). D.C. Premiere!! By Mario Diament, Directed by Jose Carrasquillo and Starring Hugo Medrano.  In Spanish with English surtitles.  On his daily visits to a park bench, a blind writer listens to and becomes part of the stories of seemingly unrelated people who are strangely connected.  Is it circumstance or destiny?  This intriguing new play, a recent box office hit in Buenos Aires, evokes the real and surreal worlds of renowned Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges.  **Special student weekday matinees for Cita a ciegas have been scheduled for Friday, October 5 and Friday, October 12.  Matinees begin at 10:30 a.m.**

• Tu ternura Molotov/Your Molotov Kisses (January 31-February 24, 2008). U.S. Premiere!! By Gustavo Ott, Directed by Abel López. In Spanish with English surtitles. An uproarious look at a professional urban couple and their meticulously planned program to have a baby.  In the midst of the procedure, a “bomb” arrives.  From the author of the hilarious Divorcées, Evangelists, and Vegetarians. **Special student weekday matinees for Tu ternura Molotov have been scheduled for Friday, February 15 and Friday, February 22, 2008.  Matinees begin at 10:30 a.m.**

• Bodas de sangre/Blood Wedding (April 3-27, 2008). By Federico García Lorca, Directed by Hugo Medrano. In Spanish with English surtitles. Medrano’s love affair with García Lorca comes full circle with this long-awaited production of the most famous play in Lorca’s tragic trilogy.  This passionate story of young lovers trapped by the repressive traditions of Andalusia is underscored with song, chant, and powerful symbolism.  Mel Rocher and guest artists from Spain lead a stellar cast.  Federico García Lorca (1898-1936) was one of the most critically acclaimed Spanish poets of the 20th century, famous not only for his poems and plays, but also as an early martyr of the Spanish Civil War. **Special student weekday matinees for Bodas de sangre have been scheduled for Friday, April 18 and Friday, April 25, 2008.  Matinees begin at 10:30 a.m.**  

• Boleros & Blues: The Legacy of Lara (June 5-29, 2008). World Premiere!! An original musical with pianist Mari Paz and singer Anamer Castrello. In Spanish with English surtitles. A musical extravaganza on the life and songs of Agustín Lara, Mexico’s legendary composer-poet whose unforgettable boleros and romantic melodies, such as “Granada” and “Solamente una vez,” forever shaped Mexican popular music.  Known affectionately as “El Flaco de Oro,” Lara had women swooning at his feet and prominent leaders offering him accolades reserved for “living national treasures.” **Special student weekday matinees for Boleros & Blues: The Legacy of Lara have been scheduled for Friday, June 20 and Friday, June 27, 2008.  Matinees begin at 10:30 a.m.**