By Cris Franco
One of my “must see” NYC show is the legendary Stomp – which isn’t just a show. It’s an experience that bangs, clangs, dances and beats with your rejoicing heart. Bringing audiences to their feet at the Orpheum Theater since 1994, this long-running production is a one-of-a-kind event that lifts the audience’s spirits to the dizzying heights of a tribal celebration.
Ivan Salazar
Born of the soul of our inner-city youth of color, the present eight-person ensemble employs “found objects as sound objects.” For 90 non-stop minutes, the human orchestra creates percussive instruments out of inner tubes, hub caps, newspapers, trash can lids, dustbins, supermarket carts, radiator hoses, Zippo lighters, plumbing pipes, mops, paint cans, washboards, basketballs and their bodies. Chest thumping, finger snapping and foot stomping abound.
Among the tremendously talented cast are three stellar latinos who not only give of themselves on-stage, but during their off hours as well. Ivan Salazar from Tecate, Baja California, Mexico says he’s been buoyed by his passion for movement and music his whole life. He joined Chris Rubio‘s percussion movement group and has performed throughout Southern California, from street corners to stadiums. He’s a proud Stomp cast member who serves as a cultural emissary to anyone who nightly witnesses his dynamic, committed performance.
Joshua Cruz
Nuyorican, Joshua Cruz says, “I grew up in New York City and have enjoyed playing drums and dancing salsa my whole life. Stomp is my night job. But, I studied to be a social worker and my day job is at the New York Department of Education where I help place homeless families into shelters. I also run creative rhythm workshops for Harlem school kids. I love helping people out.”
Performing alongside Mr. Cruz is the equally altruistic brazileño Marivaldo Dos Santos. Mr. Dos Santos is the founder of Quabales, a socio-educational cultural project that brings life-affirming art, dance, singing, music, self-expression and Stomp-like percussion to the children of the working classes of the Brazilian municipality of Amaralina. The brainchild of Mr. Dos Santos, he describes it as, “a project that turns garbage into culture by making unconventional musical instruments from recycled material. It awakens creativity in the children and softens the harsh realities they are living. It’s an example of how you can do a lot with a little – if you can just keep your eyes on the future. Giving a young person hope – improves the entire community.”
We at LatinHeat.com salute these performers-cum-social philanthropists who are using their art to improve our world. Today, the Stomp organization supports the Quabales program as well as many other cultural enriching projects world-wide. It’s a tremendous show that boasts four national tours and countless productions bringing the energetic message of courage and compassion to audiences. If you’ve never seen Stomp, I suggest you do – though it has no formal dialogue, it will amaze you with the profound clarity of its unspoken message: Let the rhythms of our hearts become one and guide us all to a brighter future.
For tickets and all show information: www.stomponline.com
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