Life is a Dream (La Vida es Sueño)

The Culture Project, Maria del Puy Navarro Amador, in collaboration with Amnesty International USA, and in association with Francisco Reyes, present a special engagement of a pro-human rights theatrical event, based on the classic Spanish play Life Is A Dream (La Vida es Sueño) by Calderón de la Barca with bilingual adaptation by Ms. Navarro Amador.

This production finds its inspiration in Spain’s Judge Baltasar Garzón, a specialist in the research of terrorism, crimes against humanity and international organized crime. During his recent series of political lectures at NYU, The Transatlantic Dialogues, he was joined by leaders from different countries in South and Central America, Spain, and the U.S. The revised version of Life Is A Dream, now set in the U.S., encompasses the plight of the Latin American emigrant. The play’s universal themes find relevance in today’s social and political climate.

Originally published around 1636, the play tells the story of a Polish King whose son, Segismundo, was declared dead at birth because it had been prophesied that he would bring disaster to the country. Imprisoned all his life, the son reaches adulthood, and the King reveals that he is alive. With the court’s approval, the King wants to declare Segismundo the heir to the throne. However, upon his release from prison, Segismundo turns violent – killing a man and attempting rape. He is returned to prison where he is drugged, told that it was all a dream, and made to repent for his bad behavior. Rebels free the remorseful Segismundo, who then defeats the King’s army but doubts if it is reality or a dream. Segismundo’s brutal transition from imprisonment to power makes him realize the ephemeral and fragile essence of Life, concluding that good works are all that matter and are all that constitute our legacy.

Under the direction of Cecil Mackinnon with choreography by Barbara Allen and original music by Ed Ware, the six-member cast includes Allyn Burrows, James Gale, Hall Hunsinger, Ephraim López, Puy Navarro, and Francisco Reyes.

Additional Ticket Information:

Admission for the performances on March 29 & 30 is granted on a first-come, first served basis without reservations. To reserve tickets, e-mail boxoffice@cultureproject.org

The performance on March 31 is part of a special Fundraising Gala for Amnesty International and is followed by a Q&A and cocktail reception. Admission to the gala is a $150.00 minimum donation per individual, with all proceeds going toward Amnesty International’s funding needs.