Partner Event: “Titi Strikes Back – Evelina’s Return
March 19 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EDT
The “Titi Strikes Back-Evelina’s Return” play is inspired by the life of Dr. Evelina Antonetty, a significant activist in the Puerto Rican diaspora during the 20th century.
In the play, Evelina returns to Earth for her 100th birthday celebration after leading Universal Justice in Heaven for 38 Earth years. Facing charges by an illegal Celestial “Junta,” Evelina challenges false accusations in an interactive play along with God and a stagehand. The three women discuss life on Earth, and our roles in saving communities, and reminisce about Evelina’s impactful moments.
Featuring an all-woman cast, the play includes original music from Puerto Rico’s traditions and contemporary urban music. Evelina’s story aims to inspire young audiences to fight for their rights.
Written by Sandra Nía Rodríguez, the play incorporates original music, video, photographs, artwork, spoken word, poetry, movement, and dance.
Venue:
Hostos Center for Arts & Culture in Repertory Theater – 450 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451
– March 19: 10 am & noon performances
– March 20: 10 am & noon performances
– March 21: 10 am & noon performances, plus an evening performance at 7 PM for the general audience
What will students and the audience gain from this presentation?
The play draws inspiration from the life of Dr. Evelina López Antonetty, a Puerto Rican patriot and activist from The Bronx. Evelina’s fight for community change serves as a model for courage, perseverance, and determination.
“Titi Strikes Back” showcases Titi’s journey, reflecting the struggles and triumphs of a whole community. Titi’s experiences encourage belief in individual potential, embracing uniqueness, and learning the importance of never giving up. The play also emphasizes community building, using one’s voice for change, teamwork, empathy, and respect.
Through Titi’s relationships, the play highlights the power of unity and friendship, demonstrating that everyone, regardless of differences, has something unique to contribute to the world.
The hope is that “Titi Strikes Back” sparks youthful imaginations, stirs young hearts toward achieving dreams, and fosters a sense of community to create positive change.
Sandra Nía Rodríguez states, “Learning about the life of leaders is always inspiring. Learning about the life of female leaders is important for the upcoming generations. Puerto Rican and Latina women need more role models who look and sound like us, showcasing how characters are forged, challenges are overcome, and contributions are made to society. Dr. Evelina Antonetty is an example of a woman who rose above her times to challenge and change history.”