American Catracho (2019) The American Catracho suite is the culmination of a three-year exploration of immigration (2016-2018) that involved over three dozen artists and other collaborators, including hundreds of audience members. Inspired by CRDT Co-founder and Artistic Director Wilfredo Rivera’s own personal journey, the four-part piece moves through themes of dislocation, assimilation, renewal, and hope. Part I Memories Behind The Crossing Part II First 200 Feet Part III Mi America Part IV Land of Dreams Creator and Director: Wilfredo Rivera Original Music: Joe Cerqua, with introduction by James Sanders and “Fijate Bien” arranged by Stu Greenspan Additional Choreography: Noelle Kayser, Christian Denice Costume Design: Jordan Ross Lighting Design: David Goodman-Edberg Projection Design: Simean Carpenter Other Collaborators: Lewis Achenbach (painter), Charin Alvarez (actor), Laura Crotte (actor), Julian Hester (actor), Cecilie Keenan (theatre artist), Ethan Kirschbaum (movement consultant), Shawn Lent (dance educator and immigration activist), Kristi Licera (movement consultant), Dr. Daniel Michaud-Novak (psychologist), Myesha-Tiara (actor) Creation of American Catracho Sponsored by The Cliff Dwellers Arts Foundation, The Saints

Highlights from American Catracho by Wilfredo Rivera

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Part 1 of American Catracho - a three-part suite conceived and curated by Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre Founder & Artistic Director Wilfredo Rivera. Part 1 was developed during 2016 and debuted a the company's fall concert series. American Catracho is an expansive suite, slated for completion in 2019. The work explores immigration - from the trauma of leaving a birthplace to the shock of arriving in a new one and the challenge of making it home. Wilfredo Rivera, the piece's creator, is himself a native of Honduras and a resident of the USA for the past 20 years.

3Arts award winning choreographer Monique Haley began this work with Company cofounder and composer Joe Cerqua in 2018. Inspired by Monique’s own life and heritage, it explores a modern African American experience through traditional African modes. In its early debut at the 2018 fall concert series, audiences were entranced by the athletic movement and the soulful soundtrack. In 2019, Monique and Joe will take it to the next level.

Part 2 of American Catracho - a three-part suite conceived and curated by Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre Founder & Artistic Director Wilfredo Rivera. Part 2 was developed during 2017 and debuted a the company's fall concert series. American Catracho is an expansive suite, slated for completion in 2019. The work explores immigration - from the trauma of leaving a birthplace to the shock of arriving in a new one and the challenge of making it home. Wilfredo Rivera, the piece's creator, is himself a native of Honduras and a resident of the USA for the past 20 years.

Corner Sketches: A Tribute to Miles Davis Arrangement: Stu Greenspan The Icon Dig / Chocolate Chip - Choreography: Monique Haley When Lights are Low / New Rhumba - Choreography: Raphaelle Ziemba; Featuring Daniel Chenoweth & Hannah Inayoshi The Individual Walkin’ / It’s About That Time - Choreography: Monique Haley Solar / Yesternow - Choreography: Raphaelle Ziemba The Artist Someday My Prince Will Come / Tutu - Choreography: Marc Macaranas CRDT Jazz Band: Timothy Archbold, Joe Cerqua, Rob Dicke, Stu Greenspan, Dan Hesler, Jose Rendon, James Sanders, Leandro Lopez Varady, Pharez Whitted, Juli Wood CRDT Dance Ensemble: Miranda Borkan, Daniel Chenoweth, Federica Cocom, Hannah Inayoshi, Taylor Mitchell, Laura Witter; performing apprentices: Chloe Bigelow, Madison Hom Video from CRDT's fall 2016 concert series at Links Hall

Sin Fronteras, choreography by Wilfredo Rivera, composition by Clarice Assad Commissioned by Chicago Sinfonietta Soundtrack performed by Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre jazz band, arrangement by Stu Greenspan CRDT Jazz Band: Timothy Archbold, Joe Cerqua, Rob Dicke, Stu Greenspan, Dan Hesler, Leandro Lopez Varady, James Sanders, Pharez Whitted, Juli Wood CRDT Dance Ensemble: Miranda Borkan, Jordan Colovos, Madison Rose Hom, Hannah Inayoshi, Richard Peña, Brennen Renteria; performing apprentices: Quincie Bean & Kristen Vasilakos Video from Alone/Together, CRDT's fall 2017 concert series as well as Chicago Sinfonietta September 2017 concert, Trademark Locations: Links Hall, Reva & David Logan Center for the Arts, Studio5, Symphony Center