By: Ashmar Mandou
Students of Little Village Academy and Columbia Explorers Academy are showcasing their literary talents in this year’s Barrel of Monkeys, ‘That’s Weird, Abuelita’ production. “It is wonderful to see these kids discover the power of their mind and watch them through their creative process,” said Ricardo Gamboa, Barrel of Monkeys production member. Barrel of Monkeys (BOM) is a Chicago-based arts education theater ensemble that conducts creative writing workshops with students from under-served Chicago Public Schools and turns their stories and words into professional-performed theater. “We are exposing these kids to new things and new people,” said Gamboa. “In schools today, kids are being policed and walking through metal detectors and do not really have anyone who will invest in them or believe in their potential. So we sort of walk in blindly and work with these students and help them practice self-control and self-motivation through the stories they write and I think that is kind of revolutionary in a way.”
Gamboa, who grew up in the Little Village community, believes production companies like BOM is helping marginalized youth recognize and strengthen their potential and place in society. “I was always looking for a company that I could share my upbringing with. That I could talk about the community in which I was blessed to be raised in and when I found BOM, I thought it was a perfect match,” said Gamboa. “So to work with these kids, who are from the same neighborhoods as me and see them bring their stories to the table and witness their talent is truly special.” Since its inception in 1997, BOM has worked in 32 Chicago Public Schools. More than 7,000 lower-income elementary school students have participated in the BOM program that provide an opportunity for creative expression and helps to build literacy skills, self-esteem, and confidence. Amid workshops and rehearsals, Gamboa shared why he believes more production companies should invest in under-served neighborhoods.
Birth of That’s Weird, Abuelita
One of things that was really exciting was having Artistic Director of Barrel of Monkeys Luke Hatton go and develop partnerships with schools in underprivileged neighborhoods. He had mentioned wanting to create more community performances, performances that would connect with our audience and he suggested working with schools. So what you see in ‘That’s Weird, Abuelita’ is really a compilation of work that we have done in the past with CPS. What you mainly see are stories from Southside schools such as, Columbia Explorers Academy and Little Village Academy. When Luke [Hatton] shared his idea everyone instantly got on board. We were very excited to share our experience with students and give them an outlet to be heard. The stories written by these students are for all audiences. They are English, Spanish, and sometimes in Spanglish [laughs].
Barrel of Monkeys celebrates summer with a neighborhood premier of ‘That’s Weird, Abuelita’ on Fridays through July 15 at the Little Village Academy, 3120 S. Kostner Ave.
I think what is most surprising is that these students have a story to tell that do not relate to the ‘hood life.’ Surprisingly, there stores are not about the hood, or youth violence, or domestic violence, or anything gang-related. They are stories about family and in some cases about dragons and aliens [laughs]. These are kids just being kids in a society where more often than not, they face peer pressure and grow up too quickly. Barrel of Monkeys creates an outlet for these students to just enjoy and have fun and expand their imagination in a safe environment. We provide an environment that introduces them to new things and people.
Transforming Lives
I have been with the company for seven years and it is great to see these students grow through the process. There are kids who have started with us since they were in first grade and to now see them graduate…it is amazing. I just think in general seeing your story is really a way in which people, who are not heard, are heard and where people who are not seen, are seen. And there is a very cathartic thing that happens in our shows between everyone involved. I believe that can only happen in work that is not just about one director, one playwright, one star actor. I think the model we are using is very transformative for how society works and how theaters work in this city. We work through collaborations, we involve direct community action, and we give back. I don’t think that’s very common either
Impact of Barrel of Monkeys Theater
There are very few incidences in media where, right now today, it’s positively changing young people lives. Specifically, urban youth of color who are constantly framed in media in a certain way and I think what we are doing is something different. I think we are providing affirming media for young people and an experience for them that is really celebrating their voice and encouraging them to do the right things. And I don’t mean in the cliché way we always talk about. I mean really investing in themselves and believe in the power of what they have to say and the power of their minds. I don’t think there are a lot of things out there that are giving young people the power to do that in a way that can be seen and heard like in an audience. And I believe these kids deserve an audience.
Every Friday, until July 15 Chicagoans can catch a performance by BOM members at the Little Village High School Auditorium, 3120 S. Kostner Ave, at 7:30pm.
