Contributed by undergraduate student Sol Ramirez.
I am happy to provide a summary of the expenses covered by El Instituto’s generous sponsorship of $200 for the Somos Uno Puppet Show. Your support made it possible for us to bring this celebration of Mexican and Latine culture to life through puppetry, music, poetry and dance.
A portion of the sponsorship supported the materials and supplies needed to create the puppets and stage components for the show. This included many types, shapes and sizes of paint, glue, elastic, and the construction of 30 unique puppets. These materials were essential to developing the visual and tactile aspects of the production and bringing the characters to life.
In addition, your contribution helped cover music and artist compensation. Musician Omar Ruiz Lopez composed and recorded original pieces for the show, including guitar, violin, percussion, and mandolin, as well as the overall score. This original music was integral to the storytelling, complementing the movement and shadows to enhance the audience’s experience.
Show Description – Somos Uno Somos Uno utilizes puppetry, shadows, music, and dance to celebrate both Mexican and Latine culture. The performance showcases the roots of these cultures, the hardships they have endured, and the power of unity to overcome challenges and thrive. Through this creative and collaborative approach, we aim to educate, inspire, and bring communities together around shared cultural experiences.
We are deeply grateful to El Instituto: Institute of Latina/o, Caribbean, and Latin American Studies for supporting our work and enabling us to create a meaningful, culturally rich experience for our audience. Your sponsorship played a vital role in ensuring the success of this production. Thank you again for your generosity and support.