Posted on September 20, 2024 by Nick Ward
The College of Liberal and Fine Arts (COLFA) UTSA is partnering with the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the iconic production “Rio Bravo.”
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UTSA to host 30th Anniversary of Rio Bravo with Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center
SEPTEMBER 20, 2024 – The College of Liberal and Fine Arts (COLFA) UTSA is partnering with the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the iconic production “Rio Bravo.” This special event, featuring the Guadalupe Dance Company and Mariachi Azteca de América, will be held on Friday and Saturday, September 20 and 21, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. at the Buena Vista Theater on UTSA's Downtown Campus.
Originally premiering to sold-out audiences in 1994 at the Carver Theater, “Rio Bravo” has become a signature piece for the center. The performance tells the story of the Texas-Mexico border region through five chronological suites of dance, with vibrant music and choreography that capture the cultural essence of South Texas.
The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center commissioned Rafael Zamarripa, one of Mexico’s foremost visual artists and folklórico directors, to create the original choreography, costuming, and scenery for “Rio Bravo.” Zamarripa’s research drew inspiration from exhibits at the Witte Museum, including “Ancient Texans” and Thomas Allen’s painting “Market Plaza.” His vision resulted in a visually stunning and emotionally resonant production that continues to captivate audiences 30 years later.
Zamarripa’s love for the Tejano culture is evident in the production, which concludes with a choreographed Tejano dance sequence that celebrates the dynamic fusion of Texan and Mexican influences. “Rio Bravo” honors the region’s rich cultural history, blending traditional rhythms, movements, and stories in a way that immerses audiences in the life and history along the Rio Grande.
Tickets for this special anniversary performance are available at Buena Vista Live.
The event is sponsored by the City of San Antonio 16 de Septiembre Commission and AARP Texas.
Founded in 1980, the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center is one of the largest community-based organizations in the U.S., dedicated to promoting and preserving traditional and contemporary Chicano, Latino, and Native American arts and culture. Located in the heart of San Antonio’s Westside, the Guadalupe continues to foster the vibrancy and legacy of these communities through its multidisciplinary programming.
UTSA’s most academically diverse college, COLFA contributes to the education of virtually every student at UTSA. In addition to exemplary teaching, the college produces quality research and creative works in the arts, humanities and social sciences.
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— Nick Ward
