Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebeca Aleman.
Rebeca, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I decided to dedicate myself to theater, film, and music because I believe in the transformative power of art.
I am journalist, writer, actress, and pianist. I am the Founder and Executive Director of Water People Theater (www.waterpeople.org).
There are three words that are ever-present in every action I take and in every decision, I make – responsibility, future, and essence. To paraphrase Oliver Sacks, there is no time for anything inessential. The future is the result of every action we take. The future is responsibility. It is up to me to make the best decisions, not only for me and my family but to have an impact on society, education, in having better countries and a better world.
I was born in Venezuela. At age five, I began playing the piano and at age 17, I became a member of the first National Youth Theater Ensemble of Caracas, began my career as a TV Actress in Radio Caracas Television and was accepted to study Journalism and Media Communication at the Universidad Central of Venezuela. After graduating, I continued my training in London and New York City for both acting and directing. I decided to move forward and formalize a theater group where I could combine all these elements of art. That is how Water People Theater was born. The name of Water People Theater comes from the Venezuelan ethnic Yekuana and means people on wood in the river who open roads in the water.
YE Wood, KU Water, ANA People
I have played leading roles in over thirty-five theater productions, soap operas, and films, including those as Sor Juana Inés De La Cruz, Frida Kahlo, Camila O’Gorman, Yerma, Adela, and Martirio. I have also written and/or produced over twenty theater plays in Venezuela, NYC, Miami, and Chicago. I became an ensemble member for five years at the Spanish Repertoire Theater in NYC where I received two ACE Awards.
I have written, produced and directed six short films, three of which include a series focused on denouncing violence primarily against women and children. My short film “Gone with The Sea”, in memory of all victims around the world, has participated in several Film Festivals and is the central piece of the film forum “Dialogue for Peace and Justice”. Since 2016, I am a formal jury member for the recognized Chicago Latino Film Festival.
I believe that one of the best decisions I have made in my life is to try and transform others through art.
Has it been a smooth road?
All professions face obstacles when you want your work to transcend and achieve specific objectives, however, art is extremely unpredictable. The important thing is not to stop, persist and achieve.
In theater and art, we face many obstacles: working with low salaries, self-financing our projects, and scarce state investment or private corporations in art. Even so, the advantage of our profession is that these same obstacles allow us to grow and develop new ways to achieve our goals, and on some occasions, this generates new creative proposals.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
In Water People Theater, we believe in the transformative power of art. I am very proud of the recognition that our theater organization has had in these 17 years.
Water People Theater is a bilingual, non-profit organization that began in New York City in 2001 and is dedicated to the development of performing arts and theater. Our primary objectives relate to extending the boundaries of Latin-theater, promote anti-violence themes and messages, and encourage audiences to embrace a set of values consistent with social harmony.
Our values lie in the positive impact of art on the development of the human being. We believe in art’s capacity to promote strong values and encourage self-reflection. We believe in the power of theater to bring people together to inspire action, encourage understanding and facilitate harmony among diverse communities.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
When I started, if someone had asked me where you want Water People Theater’s path to begin? My answer, without a shadow of a doubt: NYC, Caracas, and Chicago.
Chicago is not only the Windy City but also the city of creation.
New York is not only the city that does not sleep but the city of dreams.
Caracas is not only the city of The Avila but the city of hope.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.waterpeople.org
- Email: info@waterpeople.org
- Instagram: @waterpeoplet
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/WaterPeopleTheater
- Twitter: @waterpeoplet
Image Credit:
Rebeca Aleman – Photo: Nicola Rocco, The Worst Of All – Photo: Emilio Nadales, Gone With The Sea – Photo: Emilio Nadales, The House of Bernarda Alba – Photo Roberto Rodriguez, Los Elegidos-Photo: Nicola Rocco, Lorca Alma Presente – Photo: Nicola Rocco, Uno Mas Y La Cuenta – Photo: Daniel Alvarez
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
