Image Courtesy of ID Studio Theater
Through music and theater, artists in The Bronx continue to shape and uplift the community. ¡ARSENIO!, a production from ID Studio Theater, brings the story of Afro-Cuban musician Arsenio Rodríguez to the stage while celebrating the lasting impact of Afro-Caribbean culture.
Presented as part of Carnegie Hall's season-long Nuestros Sonidos festival, the theatrical event will take center stage in The Bronx on February 28, March 1, and March 2. These performances also coincide with Black History Month, honoring both Latin and Afro-Caribbean contributions to music and storytelling.
¡ARSENIO! follows Yennifer, a Bronx teenager with dreams of becoming a musician but who struggles to focus on her audition for the Bronx Academy of Arts. Distracted by video games and social media, she unexpectedly encounters the spirit of Arsenio Rodríguez. Through music and shared heritage, their connection unfolds, offering Yennifer a newfound understanding of her roots and the transformative power of Afro-Caribbean rhythms.
The play highlights Arsenio Rodríguez’s contributions to son cubano and salsa while exploring the cultural ties that span generations, blending past and present in a unique theatrical narrative.
Image Courtesy of ID Studio Theater
ID Studio Theater, a Bronx-based nonprofit, has been dedicated to empowering Latinx communities through the arts since its founding in 2001 by Colombian actor and director Germán Jaramillo.
Over the years, the organization has developed numerous bilingual theater and music productions, fostering cultural awareness and community engagement. The theater is located at 311 E 140th St, Bronx, NY 10454, serving as a hub for artistic expression and community storytelling in The South Bronx.
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Image Courtesy of ID Studio Theater
Bringing ¡ARSENIO! to life is a creative team dedicated to showcasing the richness of Afro-Caribbean music and storytelling. The play is written by Toby Campion and co-directed by Germán Jaramillo & Leyma López. The musical composition, arrangements, and production are handled by Pablo Mayor, while Ximena Zuluaga provides assistant production and direction support.
The choreography is crafted by Daniel Fetecua, with Hersilia Restrepo leading the artistic design. The cast features Manuel Viveros, Leah Young, Juan Viveros, Sandie Luna, and Michael William. Developed and produced by ID Studio Theater, this production brings audiences a performance rooted in history and culture.
Image Courtesy of ID Studio Theater
¡ARSENIO! focuses on the musical traditions that continue to shape cultures worldwide. Through storytelling, choreography, and live music, audiences will have the opportunity to engage with themes of legacy, identity, and artistic evolution.
Tickets for ¡ARSENIO! are now available, with performances running on February 28, March 1, and March 2.
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