At Bócon, our mission has always been to amplify voices through the power of storytelling and community partnerships. This year, our collaborations with The Old Globe and A Step Beyond have woven rich tapestries of culture and community, showcasing the deep, personal narratives that connect us all.
Bridging Communities with The Old Globe
Our journey with The Old Globe’s Art Engagement's CoLab program brought us to Casa Familiar in San Ysidro, where we embarked on a poignant exploration of memory and homage through the Day of the Dead. Bocón Artistic Director Crystal Mercado Rosure had the privilege of meeting with six community members across four workshops, where they delved into a medley of poems, and monologues, and shared stories that celebrated loved ones who have passed away. The bilingual nature of these workshops allowed every voice to be heard, irrespective of the language they spoke.
The participants, mainly women, crafted a performance from their writings—a patchwork of narratives that beautifully honored their ancestors, directed by Valeria Vega, who served as our program manger and is also a Teaching Artist. From grandmothers to grandfathers and the particularly moving story of a mother commemorating her young son through the voice of his beloved football jersey, these stories resonated deeply with our audiences at various community events. The emotional strength displayed, especially as the mother recounted her son's everyday moments through his jersey, moved everyone, illustrating the profound love and remembrance we carry for those we've lost.
A Cultural Reimagining with A Step Beyond
The third-year collaboration with A Step Beyond originally brought a different kind of creative challenge: reimagining the Nutcracker into a narrative that echoed the Latino spirit. The concept was to transform the traditional ballet into a Quinceañera celebration, blending ballet folklorico with traditional dances, to tell the story of a young girl’s magical journey on her special day.
As her father, unable to attend, sends a mystical Alebrije from Mexico, our protagonist embarks on a dream-like voyage through the landscapes her father cherished. Again, Crystal flexed her creative might as a writer and story consultant allowing them to weave a narrative that not only celebrated cultural landmarks but also the intimate familial bonds that stretch across borders. The San Diego Guild of Puppetry brought this vision to life, creating both small and giant Alebrije puppets that added a magical realism to the performance, captivating our audiences with the wonder of Mexican folklore.
Reflections on Impact
These collaborations have not only enriched our programming but also deepened our connections within the community, allowing us to touch hearts and stir emotions through the universal language of theatre for youth and family audiences. The stories we've told and shared are testaments to the power of community and the arts in bridging cultural divides and celebrating the human experience.
As we look to the future, Bócon remains committed to partnering with organizations that share our vision of storytelling as a tool for social change and cultural celebration. We are excited about the opportunities ahead to continue building bridges, fostering understanding, and bringing vibrant new stories to life.
In a world where stories can often divide, we at Bócon choose to tell the ones that unite and uplift. Join us as we continue to explore, create, and celebrate the richness of human connections.
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