Speak Up! Speak Out! | The Breath Project Pt. 3

After the murder of George Floyd last year, Gamal Chasten and Marieke Gaboury launched The Breath Project in partnership with theatres around the US including San Diego REP. The goal of the Breath Project is to build a more equitable theater community in this country, and actively dismantle structural racism in the American Theater, through a combination of art, action, and advocacy.
For the inaugural Breath Project Festival in Fall 2020, artists of color were asked to submit world premiere works that were 8 minutes and 46 seconds in length. All the Festival performance selections are now available to stream online. Over the coming months, The REP will share those we found particularly moving.

Learn more about The Breath Project: 8 Minutes and 46 Seconds at https://www.thebreathproject2020.com/

A Wake
 


Submitted by: Salomón Maya (local actor)

Artist's Project Description: I wrote this piece after constant reminders of not looking or sounding a certain way. Growing up in a city where I needed to look one way or sound another. I know that I live privileged that the color of my skin has allowed me to live a certain way. But the notion that the world has set up these false parameters of how people of color should look and sound. I wanted to write something for my son Jacob, so one day he can stand proud as a Mexican and a Jew. I wrote this in a couple days and produced it with a fellow artist named James P. Darvas (who directed the piece) and the amazing tech team at Onstage Playhouse in Chula Vista.

Artist's Bio: Salomón is an Emmy winning producer/writer as well as a local actor with past regional credits including: San Diego REP, La Jolla Playhouse, Diversionary Theatre, Onstage Playhouse and more. Salomón is also a local playwright who has produced work for Scripps Ranch and the Lipinsky Family San Diego Jewish Arts Festival. Salomón is currently a Creative Director for a local Spanish TV station and monthly columnist for L’Chaim San Diego Magazine.