A Night Come and Gone--Yet One to Remember
Honoring Lorca in New York: A Night of Poetry, Memory & Voice
June 9, 2025 | La Nacional, New York City
See Photos Below
Honoring Lorca in New York: A Night of Poetry, Memory & Voice
June 9, 2025 | La Nacional, New York City
See Photos Below
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The New York reading of Brown Son of Lorca: A Boy Reclaimed in Poems, Stories & Voice has come and gone—and what an unforgettable evening it was. Held at the historic La Nacional, the event Deconstructing Lorca was, in the words of acclaimed actress and Danisarte founder Alicia Kaplan, “the most successful and well-attended event since its inception.” The house was packed—so much so that a few attendees had to turn away rather than stand.
My reading was met with deep praise and a standing ovation. Many in the audience were visibly moved, especially by the poem that speaks of reclaiming the Spanish language and cultural heritage taken from me by my mother—done out of love and the hope of shielding me from harm. This is, without question, the most personal work I’ve ever written, and to share it with such an embracing audience was profoundly meaningful. |
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Every copy of the book I donated to Danisarte in support of their vital mission sold out that night. I was deeply honored to receive praise from Marcela Álvarez, founder of the NYC-based Latin news source Tinta News, and from Patricia Herrera, recognized as the top Latin radio DJ in New York, with a career spanning Italy, Peru, and the U.S. Also offering heartfelt encouragement was Victor Espada, founder of Mango Art Productions, who sang and ;played guitar showcasing a few of his original songs.
It was equally moving to share the stage with extraordinary artists:
And of course, I extend my deepest thanks to Alicia Kaplan, host, producer, and founder of Danisarte, and to Hernán Acuña, associate producer and technical director. Their warmth and dedication made the evening one of the most rewarding of my career.
After the reading, I had the pleasure of meeting so many inspiring individuals, including:
And countless others who shared their dreams, stories, and support.
I also had the opportunity to share the news of my solo play Undesirable Secrets, premiering Off-Broadway on November 1st. The response was overwhelming—some attendees purchased tickets right there from their seats. (Tickets are available now at TicketsToUndesirableSecrets.com, but they’re going fast!)
Lastly, before our technical rehearsal Sunday evening, Alicia and I met for an early dinner at the restaurant inside La Nacional. The food was exquisite. Many thanks to owner Roberto Sanfiz, his wife and daughter, and Chef Francisco Javier Parreño for the warm welcome and culinary artistry.
What follows are some photos from the event that capture just a glimpse of the magic that night. To everyone who was there: thank you for making this a night I will always carry with me.
With gratitude,
Rodolfo
It was equally moving to share the stage with extraordinary artists:
- Amaya Arberas, opera singer
- Angel Gil-Orrios, artistic and executive director of the Thalia Spanish Theatre
- Andrés Tutek, actor
- Azucena Rollán-Mas, dancer
- Carlos Del Pino, musician
- David Gálvez, classical guitarist
- Fernando Vieira, actors
- Joseph Almarales, composer and singer
- Piedad Castaño, actress
- Roberto Báez, harpist
- Singo, musician
And of course, I extend my deepest thanks to Alicia Kaplan, host, producer, and founder of Danisarte, and to Hernán Acuña, associate producer and technical director. Their warmth and dedication made the evening one of the most rewarding of my career.
After the reading, I had the pleasure of meeting so many inspiring individuals, including:
- Yael Acher “Kat” Modiano, flutist and composer
- Ana Fragoso, educator at the Hunter School of Arts and Sciences
- David Gonzalez and his wife, who gifted me their beautiful CD Samoa Familia Unida
- Four extraordinary young people whose names I did not get permission to share, but are included in the photos below.
And countless others who shared their dreams, stories, and support.
I also had the opportunity to share the news of my solo play Undesirable Secrets, premiering Off-Broadway on November 1st. The response was overwhelming—some attendees purchased tickets right there from their seats. (Tickets are available now at TicketsToUndesirableSecrets.com, but they’re going fast!)
Lastly, before our technical rehearsal Sunday evening, Alicia and I met for an early dinner at the restaurant inside La Nacional. The food was exquisite. Many thanks to owner Roberto Sanfiz, his wife and daughter, and Chef Francisco Javier Parreño for the warm welcome and culinary artistry.
What follows are some photos from the event that capture just a glimpse of the magic that night. To everyone who was there: thank you for making this a night I will always carry with me.
With gratitude,
Rodolfo