Students and the public learned about the lives of three significant Latin American women from the chamber music theater work “Tres Vidas.”
The Core Ensemble performed the work March 17. in the Malcolm Field Theater.
The act celebrated the lives of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, Salvadoran peasant activist Rufina Amaya and Argentine poet Alfonsina Storni.
One actress portrayed the three different women while musical works including cello, piano and percussion accompanied. The actress performed monologues and sang Latin American folk and tango songs.
Positive and challenging aspects of each of the women’s lives were explored. Kahlo, an iconic painter, had an interesting relationship with painter Diego Rivera. Amaya was the only survivor of a massacre during the Salvadoran War and Storni was Argentina’s first feminist poet.
The program was sponsored by The Office of Diversity Programs, Office of Multicultural Services, Student Association and Student Life. Kathleen Chantaca, administrative secretary for Student Life and a committee member for Hispanic Heritage Month, planned the event.
It was originally planned as the conclusion for Hispanic Heritage Month last semester, but was moved due to scheduling conflicts.
“It turned out great because it came during Women’s History Month,” Chantaca said.
Mechanical engineering major Berenice Barba and nursing major Steven Willis, both first-year students, attended the event out of their own interest after seeing it advertised.
“It was interesting how she acted out three different lives. Some of the people I had never heard of,” Barba said.
Barba liked the portion about Amaya best because it was emotional, while Willis liked the humor the actress used to portray Kahlo.
“Personally, it taught me about the people she was portraying in an interesting way because it was also with music,” Willis said.
Chantaca has been a long-time fan of Kahlo and said the actress did a great job of characterizing her.
“I liked it because it included art, theater and music. I’ve never witnessed an event like that on campus before,” Chantaca said.
Barba and Willis encourage other students to attend events such as “Tres Vidas.”
“Students should come to events like this so they can learn about history and it’s a free event,” Barba said.
A similar show featuring the lives of influential men such as Rivera also exists. Due to the attendance and feedback of “Tres Vidas,” Chantaca believes bringing that program to SVSU next will be achievable.
“I’ve had people from the community reach out to me and say that they enjoyed it because they have never seen anything like it before,” Chantaca said.
Local ninth-and-tenth grade students were also in attendance.
“It’s great we can bring some culture to Saginaw,” Chantaca said.
Before the performance, the percussionist from the Core Ensemble hosted a workshop called The Business of Art. This business plan was presented for performing artists interested in a profession in the arts or arts management.
