Performing Human Rights

Some trailers from Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? God of Carnage, Irish Curse, 8, End End Stigma, End Hiv/Aids: A Forum Theatre Project, and 14. I was lucky to direct and devise these productions and performers.

Productions Videos Explore this photo album by Roberto Prestigiacomo on Flickr!

Smudge by Rachel Axler Directed by Roberto Prestigiacomo, AtticRep 2011 - photo by Siggi Ragnar

We are uploading more content. Check it out on YouTube!

Performing Human Rights - YouTube Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

Performing Human Rights (Promo) Follow along as our team, Performing Human Rights, researches human rights violations and aims to shed light on these issues through performance. This resear...

Understand Me- Journey to the Dead Zone This documentary, "Understand Me- Journey to the Dead Zone," highlights the stories of refugees in Italy. This film was created with Performing Human Rights,...

Un giorno qualunque. Storie che ricominciano in Italia 8 storie d'integrazione raccontate con la voce dei protagonisti.

Performing Human Rights Documentary!

Understand Me- Journey to the Dead Zone This documentary, "Understand Me- Journey to the Dead Zone," highlights the stories of refugees in Italy. This film was created with Performing Human Rights,...

Human Rights First report.

Over 1,300 asylum-seekers assaulted in Mexico while remaining there under Trump administration policy, new report says The group Human Rights First documented hundreds of attacks, from kidnappings to r**e, against asylum-seekers since February 2019.

The Most Inspiring Immigrants Of 2020 From the creative minds of the vaccine makers to health professionals and essential workers, immigrants helped Americans to persevere.

Back in April 2020, talking with German conductor Sebastian Lang-Lessing on the impact of COVID on the artist! What is changed since then?

A Conversation with Sebastian Lang-Lessing Germany, Conductor and Music Director of the San Antonio Symphony OrchestraGerman conductor Sebastian Lang-Lessing has been Music Director of the San Antonio...

GAIA world Premier
Friday, October 2nd at 8 PM (CST)

"Gaia is a symbolic depiction of what the world is, and what the world could be. In the spirit of the Greek construct of the contrasting Gold and Iron Ages, Gaia connects these poetic eras to modern society. The script, staging, and video editing were designed and completed by the cast and crew of the show. We hope that watching this show is an entertaining experience that inspires us all to think on how we can make the world a better place."
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeW7741MQTKrhnKwR0xTnEA/featured

Gaia Premieres this Friday, October 2nd at 8:00, experience the intimate & beautiful messages of hope, pain, and determination this entirely student devised show has for us all. The cast wrote, edited audio, and ran their own tech over zoom & socially distanced in the hope their art might “inspire change for a better world.”

Join us on the Trinity University Theatre YouTube page (linked in the bio) on Friday, October 2nd at 8:00 PM CST for the premiere.

In addition, the cast and director, Roberto Prestigiacomo, will be having a talkback via zoom on Saturday, October 3rd at 8:30 after the Saturday Showing of Gaia at 8:00 PM, join using the zoom info below!

Meeting ID: 974 6934 7918
Passcode: Gaia

May 2020 - Japan, Performer, choreographer and art director of Kamigata-mai dance.
Director of Kamigatamaitomonokai Organization
Head of Yoshimura Keiin Kamigata-mai Studio
Ms. Yoshimura is a master of Kamigata-mai, which is a 16th century "chamber-performance" style of dance/movement similar to Noh, Kyogen, and Kabuki, but more subdued and- unlike the traditionally all-male Noh, Kyogen, and Kabuki forms- Kamigata-mai is performed by women. Her solo piece Sakura combines Kamigata-mai with elements of these other Japanese forms. The performance is a compelling mash-up of classical and modern approaches that addresses the meaninglessness of mass destruction and war.
Seventy years after the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Sakura presents a requiem for the fallen through poetry, video projections, music, traditional Japanese artwork, and contemporary movement and dance. The audience's instructions at the close of Sakura illuminate the mission of the piece. The audience is asked to refrain from clapping and instead close their eyes and, in silence and stillness, pray for Universal Peace. Once the house lights return, patrons are encouraged to open their eyes and upon exiting the theatre keep a petal of Sakura, which means cherry blossom, close to their heart.
Ms. Yoshimura has performed her work extensively in Japan and toured to Taiwan, Korea, China, India, Iran, and Italy.

A Conversation with Keiin Yoshimura Japan, Performer, choreographer and art director of Kamigata-mai dance. Director of Kamigatamaitomonokai Organization Head of Yoshimura Keiin Kamigata-mai St...

Excited to announce that this Friday October 2 at 8pm is the world premiere of the Trinity Theatre mainstage production of Gaia written by Trinity students and directed by Prof. Roberto Prestigiacomo. Below is the link to the Trinity Theatre YouTube channel where you will be able to find the video of Gaia this Friday at 8pm:
https://www.youtube.com/.../UCeW7741MQTKrhnKwR0x.../featured
I hope you will attend this exciting and student written production. Here's a description:
"Gaia is a symbolic depiction of what the world is, and what the world could be. In the spirit of the Greek construct of the contrasting Gold and Iron Ages, Gaia connects these poetic eras to modern society. The script, staging, and video editing were designed and completed by the cast and crew of the show. We hope that watching this show is an entertaining experience that inspires us all to think on how we can make the world a better place."
Additionally, there is a great opportunity to learn more about Gaia through a cast talkback zoom meeting on Saturday October 3 at 8:30pm after the 8pm YouTube showing of Gaia. The zoom link is below:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://trinity.zoom.us/j/97469347918
Meeting ID: 974 6934 7918
Passcode: Gaia

Trinity University Theatre

MAY 2020 - Colombia, Artistic Director, American Laboratory Theatre - Jesús Quintero started his journey as an educator working with applied theatre in poor communities affected by the civil war in Colombia, then developing educational and inclusion programs, summer camps, building grants, and community outreach projects at different non-for-profit organizations around the globe. During the past decade, he has worked as a Program Director and HR Director of Residential Treatment Centers, bringing his research of Integral Arts Therapy to improve the safety and care of residents with complex behavioral and mental health conditions.
Working with directors from different theatre companies and schools, such as Regula Teatro and The Work Center of Jerzy Grotowski and Thomas Richards (Italy), the School of Russian Theatre (Moscow), Superior School of Dramatic Arts (Galicia – Spain), work in India, Bali, Poland, Brazil and more. Mr. Quintero uses this experience to educate, inspire, entertain, and bring healing to those around him.
Educated as a lawyer, philosopher, musician, actor, performing arts director, Mr. Quintero is a member of the Actor’s Equity Association, his extensive involvement in theatre has given him the ability to understand the complexities of the human being founding The Theatre of Now. The Theater of Now as the vehicle that unleashes us from the chains of the egoic mind and awakens our spiritual freedom.

A Conversation with Jesus Quintero Colombia, Artistic Director, American Laboratory Theatre www.americanlabtheatre.com www.thetheatreofnow.com Jesús Quintero started his journey as an educator...

May 11, 2020. David Martin Davies is an award-winning journalist whose radio show and writing cover issues in Texas, Mexico, and on the border. In his conversation with Roberto, he talks about the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. government’s response, and the roles of art and journalism during this time. As a journalist, Davies views his role as that of a storyteller and communicator. By providing facts and actionable information throughout the development of this pandemic, he is helping listeners and documenting the current moment so that American leaders can be held accountable in a nonpartisan, accurate way. Moving forward, Davies envisions continued challenges relating to COVID-19, but he also sees opportunities for valuable artistic, technological, and educational developments.

A Conversation with David Martin Davies David Martin Davies is an award-winning journalist whose radio show and writing cover issues in Texas, Mexico, and on the border. In his conversation with Ro...

American. Artistic | Executive Director SAY Sí
Jon is an artist masquerading as an arts administrator. He is active in professional: local, regional and national creative youth development initiatives and has presented and facilitated learning at numerous conferences and symposia on the value, tangible evidence, and the transformative power the arts have on urban youth. He also serves as a board member of Texans for the Arts. Jon has prioritized youth voice throughout the organization's timeline, empowering SAY Sí's artists to drive the growth of the organization and take ownership of the internationally recognized programs. He hopes his legacy will be inspiring and educating the next generation of our nation's creative leaders.

A Conversation with Jon Hinojosa American Artistic | Executive Director SAY Sí Jon is an artist masquerading as an arts administrator. He is active in professional: local, regional and natio...

April 2020 - A voice from Brazil - Stella Brajterman is an artist, dancer, actress, writer, and director from Brazil. She has studied and worked all over the world, but currently lives in Rio de Janeiro. In this conversation, Stella discusses the role of an artist in times of crisis. Stella shares her concerns, as there are over 500,000 positive coronavirus cases in Brazil and a government leadership that seems to be working against its people. Often artists believe that art “comes later.” Things happen in the world, then artists make art in response. Stella, however, says that artists should make art now. To her, art is about the present. Learn more about Stella Brajterman and her art here:

https://sbrajterman.wixsite.com/brajj...

A Conversation with Stella Brajterman Stella Brajterman is an artist, dancer, actress, writer, and director from Brazil. She has studied and worked all over the world, but currently lives in Rio ...

April 2020 - Anna De Luna is an actor, writer and social justice activist. In this interview with Roberto, she shares the challenges of being an artist and living alone during the pandemic. She talks about the financial difficulties of cancelled performances, the isolation of being quarantined by herself, and the pressure for an artist to create in this time.

A Conversation with Anna De Luna Anna De Luna is an actor, writer and social justice activist. In this interview with Roberto, she shares the challenges of being an artist and living alone d...

April 2020 - Entrepreneurship during COVID-19 -- Dr. Luis Martínez is the Director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship where he teaches courses in entrepreneurship and innovation; mentors student startups; and facilitates connecting Trinity students and faculty with entrepreneurs and accredited investors. Dr. Martinez’s background in scholarship, mentorship, and innovation provides unique insight into the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this conversation with Roberto, he discusses the many ways in which entrepreneurs and startup companies are being challenged during this time of economic uncertainty. Dr. Martinez also focuses on the human aspect of this pandemic: how people are struggling and how they are managing to stay connected and thrive.

A Conversation with Dr. Luis Martinez Dr. Luis Martínez is the Director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship where he teaches courses in entrepreneurship and innovation; mentors stud...

April 2020 A Voice from Iran. “Humans have to be able to enjoy suffering… I think that’s how [they] grow,” she laughs. “And artists must be able to feel and then act, just act.” Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Iranian poet, photographer, and performance artist Zoreh Sadati was always working on new projects and enjoying life in Tehran, Iran, with friends. Now, she says, she is living in quarantine with her family and life is much slower. While these changes have been difficult, Zoreh tells Roberto that she is savoring this time together with her young nieces and nephews. After all, her art is about human connection and social justice, especially as these topics relate to children and international relations. Zoreh emphasizes that the role of artists is to observe what is happening and act, recording the truth of their experiences.

A Conversation with Zoreh Sadati “Humans have to be able to enjoy suffering… I think that’s how [they] grow,” she laughs. “And artists must be able to feel and then act, just act.” Before th...

April 2020 - Norma Elia Cantu' is American, Chicana Postmodernist Writer and the Murchison Professor in the Humanities at Trinity University.
Born in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas and raised in Laredo, Texas, I am intimately bound to the US-Mexico border region. As a scholar, I focus on issues of borders and boundaries whether in academic disciplines or the geopolitical borderlands of Mexico and the United States, all through a Chicana feminist theoretical lens. I write poetry and prose, what I call creative autobioethnography, also with a focus on the borderlands and heavily rooted in the cultural traditions of the region. My life formation as a working-class Chicana shapes my intellectual and aesthetic endeavors and impels me to act to deconstruct the oppressive structures that exist in society. I passionately believe that words have power and that literature has the potential to create the change we need. I work with my students to use the power of their stories and their words to create a better world for all sentient beings.

A Conversation with Norma Elia Cantu’ American, Chicana Postmodernist Writer and the Murchison Professor in the Humanities at Trinity University. Born in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas and raised in La...

“I almost see it as a duty. Photography is a medium that perfectly lends itself to capturing the moment that we live in”

As a photographer in San Antonio, Ramin Samandari has always been interested in capturing images and stories that shed light on the human experience. He sits down with Roberto to discuss how his photography has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, he photographs the empty streets of downtown San Antonio, the absence of human subjects telling the story of an unprecedented moment. Though funding and work have been halted for many artists, Ramin highlights art as “nourishment for the soul” that is critical to both individuals and society on the whole. During this period of isolation, he says, non-professional artists are finding their own spark of creativity, while professionals are continuing to produce new work, each of them processing their experience through creative outlets

A Conversation with Ramin Samandari “I almost see it as a duty. Photography is a medium that perfectly lends itself to capturing the moment that we live in” As a photographer in San Antonio, Ra...

Dr. Rosa Alosis from the Performing Human Rights project had a conversation with Destiny Iroghama about his life, migration, and much more.

A Conversation with Destiny Dr. Rosa Aloisi from the Performing Human Rights project had a conversation with Destiny Iroghama about his life, migration, and much more.

Jennifer Harge is a Detroit-based dancer, choreographer, and performance artist who uses her work to explore Black rituals and cultural histories. She talks with Roberto about how COVID-19 is shifting the role of art and how it has strengthened her resolve to create meaningful performances. Stage time, Jennifer says, is precious, serious, and political. Though this has always been so, the pandemic has intensified the responsibility of art to contribute to the collective imagination of what our world can be. Art for art’s sake is losing its relevance as creators like Jennifer are asking: “what is the responsibility of performance and theater in terms of how do we help dismantle systems of oppression?”

A Conversation with Jennifer Harge “What were [performance spaces and institutions] holding onto that didn’t serve people, actually? What was it actually holding, now that it’s gone and breaki...

The Performing Human Rights Documentary narrating the journey of 6 African man from their respective homes through Libya, the Mediterranean Sea, and into Sicily, Italy.

Understand Me- Journey to the Dead Zone This documentary, "Understand Me- Journey to the Dead Zone," highlights the stories of refugees in Italy. This film was created with Performing Human Rights,...

June 2020 - A Conversation with Frank, a Refugee from Nigeria, about his journey from Nigeria through Libya, the Mediterranean Sea and arriving in Sicily.

A Conversation with Frank Ameachi Dr. Robert Huesca from the Performing Human Rights project had a conversation with Frank Ameachi about his life, migration, and much more.

June 2020 - A Conversation with Joel, a Refugee from Cameroon, about his journey from Central Africa to Pisa, Italy.

A Conversation with Joel Franck Katie Maloan from the Performing Human Rights project had a conversation with Joel Franck about his life, migration, and much more.

A Conversation with Karamo Ceesay Rachel Poovathoor from the Performing Human Rights project had a conversation with Karamo Ceesay about his life, migration, and much more.

Thank you Julia Varley for the wonderful Conversation!

A Conversation with Julia Varley Julia Varley was born in 1954 in London, Great Britain, and joined Odin Teatret in 1976. Apart from acting she is active in directing, teaching, organising a...

This week, the team makes progress on the "performing" aspect of the PHR project. Here is a look!

https://youtu.be/MFqOwVuUIgs

The PHR Project (Recap #4) This week, the team makes progress on the "performing" aspect of the PHR project. Here is a look!

Over the past few weeks the Performing Human Rights Project had conversations with our friends from Italy about life, their migrant journey, and much more. Take a look!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEbYk7Iha9dio90eZiDnSqw/videos?view_as=subscriber

Performing Human Rights A team of individuals collecting stories of human rights issues happening in this pandemic... here is what we have so far.

Last week, the team sat down to discuss hardships that have arisen as the PHR project approaches the halfway mark. We will also begin to work on the next stage of our project. Stay tuned!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFuXieiv_J4

The PHR Project (Recap #3) This week, the team sat down to discuss hardships that have arisen as the PHR project approaches the halfway mark.

According to the Yemen Data Project, more than 17,500 civilians were killed and injured since 2015, and a quarter of all civilians killed in air raids were women and children. More than 20 million people in Yemen are experiencing food insecurity; 10 million of them are at risk of famine.

The temporary ceasefire is not enough. The underlying causes of famine and disease are still perpetuated, and the fear that once the worst of the pandemic is over airstrikes might return, is not an acceptable situation for these innocent lives.

Read this report by Human Rights Watch on the risk the internally displaced in Yemen face.

https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/05/22/yemen-displaced-heightened-covid-19-risk #

This past week, this PHR project got the ball rolling on research. Here’s a look!

https://youtu.be/OxKhX7rbQTo

The PHR Project (Recap #2) This week, Rachel Poovathoor gives an update on the work of the PHR project!

US: Covid-19 Disparities Reflect Structural Racism, Abuses | Human Rights Watch The United States government should take bold steps to end human rights violations and structural racism driving racial disparities in Covid-19 and spurring mass protests across the country.

"Migrants and refugees are pushed underground, out of sight and out of reach."

COVID-19 lays bare failed politics of aid to help migrants stranded in Libya Escalating armed conflict, increased indiscriminate attacks on civilians and the arrival of COVID-19 to a country with a collapsing healthcare system is creating a crisis within a crisis and could ultimately become a humanitarian catastrophe writes Sacha Petiot, Head of Mission in Libya.

Europe’s Far-Right Exploits COVID-19 for Anti-Refugee Propaganda | Balkan Insight Trying to make political gains, the far-right in Greece and Italy is painting refugees and migrants as carriers of COVID-19.