Auditorium Theatre 2019-2020 Ensemble Espanol

14 | AUDITORIUM THEATRE 2019-20 | September 21 - November 16, 2019 Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre: Celebrating 20 Years in 2019! Cerqua Rivera is a homegrown Chicago company that has been integrating original music composition and dance in its own unique way for 20 years. In 2019, this dynamic company makes its “Made in Chicago” Dance Series debut at the Auditorium Theatre with the Chicago premiere of its first-ever evening length work, American Catracho . The name Cerqua Rivera comes from the last names of company co-founders Joe Cerqua and Wilfredo Rivera (it’s pronounced SIR-kwuh riv-AIR-uh). The company’s work is rooted in the founders’ vision of what art can do: gather people to contemplate the factors that unite us and add complexity to our society. In events across Chicago, Cerqua Rivera brings sophisticated, moving, beautiful performances to a wide range of audiences. Each work is rooted in a collaboration between a choreographer and a composer and grounded in a strong and specific narrative. New pieces are incubated over the course of a season, with audience previews and lots of in-studio experimentation. In performance, the company’s dancers and musicians are noted for their passion and expressiveness. Audiences connect strongly with them and say the experience is like no other. American Catracho was created through a three-year exploration of immigration led by Rivera, himself an immigrant from Honduras. The piece features original music that will be performed live by the Cerqua Rivera band, featuring some of the best Chicago jazz, blues, and rock musicians from around the city. The end result is emotional, lyrical, and engrossing, inspired by countless stories of immigrants from around the world. “As we celebrate our 20 th anniversary, I am so proud of where this company is,” says Rivera. “We are demonstrating the values that have always shaped Cerqua Rivera: high artistic standards, deep connections with audiences, and reflecting and celebrating the diversity of our community. As I look forward to our next 20 years, I couldn’t be more excited.” Catch Cerqua Rivera at the Auditorium Theatre on October 4, 2019 with Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater. LENI MANAA HOPPENWORTH Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre in American Catracho