Answering the Cry for Help: Robert Renteria, The Miracle Center Present The Barrio Project
Online PR News – 23-November-2015 – Chicago, IL – Robert Renteria continues to combat the assimilation of conflict. He, in partnership with The Miracle Center and Maria Torres of the Emerging Artists Foundation, will present "The Barrio Project," Renteria's publicist announced today. Selected scenes from the stage play will be performed during a sneak-peak special. The event takes place Friday, Dec. 4, 2015, at The Miracle Center, 2311 N. Pulaski, Chicago, IL. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. performance.
The stage play was inspired by Renteria's book, "From the Barrio to the Board Room," after capturing the attention of The Miracle Center.
In his book, the international best selling author shares how he catapulted from participating in a gang-infested, East Los Angeles lifestyle, to leading one of Wall Street’s most powerful firms. He also addresses issues faced by today's youth who are growing up in a culture of abuse, drugs, poverty, and violence.
“author shares how he catapulted from participating in a gang-infested, East Los Angeles lifestyle, to leading one of Wall Street’s most powerful firms”
Youth from The Miracle Center are in the process of developing Renteria's book into a full theatrical experience.
"The Miracle Center is excited to mount The Barrio Project and make it come to life," stated Vanessa Torres, Communications Director at The Miracle Center, and TMC Alum. "It’s a compilation that depicts Robert's story, as well as the lives of many teenagers today. During the summer of 2016, the Youth Theater Ensemble will perform three, full productions of the play at their home venue, The Center Theatre in Chicago. Then, they will tour in Chicago. The production will perform at schools, community centers, churches and festivals,” she added.
"As deeply unsettling as some scenes from Robert's book are, they are also profoundly action-provoking," stated Fran Briggs, Publicist to Robert Renteria. "Among his ultimate goals are a shared humanity and solidarity with our young people. I'd say he is well-on his way," she concluded.
Violence across the globe, and in Chicago IL, in particular, has been spinning out of control for decades. Robert Renteria says that he is honored to work in tandem with The Miracle Center and answer the cry for help.
"We need to go beyond 'awareness,' meetings, and marching; this is not another conversation or panel. Our kids need help," stated Renteria. "We owe kids, everywhere something tangible and relevant. This is something that will give them hope and re-humanize them. This production is for them."
ABOUT TMC:
Founded in 1995, The Miracle Center uses after-school and summer programs to empower and train inner-city youth in developing full theater productions that address important subject matters. Youth are responsible for the artistic outcome of productions which include design, casting, lighting, music and performance. For the past two decades, TMC has provided affordable access to the Theater and Performing Arts to youth, ages 11-18. Like them on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/TheMiracleCenter Follow them on Twitter, @TMC_Chicago And connect with them on Instagram: @TheMiracleCenter.