Jasmin Cardenas

WorkersTEATRO: Applying Theater to the Fight for Workers Rights

Available in English or Spanish

Illinois has been the catalyst for Labor reform for the past 2 centuries. Taking a brief historical look at those landmark advancements, connecting modern days struggles of working Illinoisans and creative actions by working people to bring about change. This presentation/interactive workshop will offer moments of storytelling, video examples of technique and actions, pictures-n-facts, a script created by current worker concerns, and offer up a hands-on experience learning a theatrical technique for social justice. 

WorkersTEATRO, tells the story of the current fight for workers' rights in the Chicagoland area and specific wins along the way. These workers are immigrants and returning citizens who are temp workers in factories, street vendors, and domestic care workers. Come and get a taste of a technique called Theater of the Oppressed, developed by Jasmin's teacher Augusto Boal and walk away inspired. This program is highly interactive. 

The presentation aligns with the Illinois America 250 Commission's theme “We the People.” This theme invites us to explore ideas of who has been included and who has been left out of the nation’s promise, as well as how people from all backgrounds have shaped and reshaped what it means to be part of “the people.” The Illinois America 250 Commission's goals are to uplift local stories, places, and programs; build pride; and showcase how Illinois brings the ideals of the Declaration of Independence to life.

Audience Recommendations

This presentation is for adults, working people, and individuals who would like to learn an interactive technique to discuss issues.

Program Logistics

This program is 75 minutes total, which includes a 60-minute workshop and a 15-minute Q&A. The host should provide, speakers, a projector, room to move, and a microphone. Since this presentation is very physical, a lapel microphone is preferred. Any audio or video recording must be discussed with and approved in writing by Jasmin Cardenas prior to the presentation.

About 60% of the time will be spent in our bodies moving about the space so ideally a big pen space with a circle of chairs is ideal. An auditorium will also work if there is enough space at the front or on the stage for participants to join together. 

If there isn't enough room for everyone to move then the experience will be highly altered to only include small groups of volunteers to participate, and we can cycle through allowing multiple different people to try the activities. 

The workshop can be done in English or Spanish, or a combination of both languages to suit the needs of the audience.