Delving into the world of AfroLatine theater artists in the Los Angeles community whose creativity has not only shaped the local theater scene but has also provided a powerful voice for marginalized communities.

This event is co-sponsored by the William H. Hannon Library, the Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts, the College of Communication and Fine Arts, and the Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Alliance.

About the Speakers

Carolina Pilar Xique is a multi-hyphenate theatrical artist & arts administrator. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she received her B.A. in theatre arts performance from CSU Long Beach. Carolina has thrived in multiple productions and readings, including Playwright Arena's reading of "Brown Face," Project Nongenue's reading of "A Tempest," and most recently, the 2022 Paul Robeson Festival's staged reading of "Negra." In October of 2021, she was awarded the Individual Artist Fellowship Grant from the California Arts Council to aid in the development and production of a staged reading of her longtime project, Wilber's Dream, held in September of 2022. She has worked with multiple acclaimed Los Angeles arts companies and organizations, including Independent Shakespeare Co., La Plaza de Cultura y Artes, Los Angeles Female Playwrights Initiative, Circle X Theatre Company, Playwrights' Arena, Greenway Theater Court, the recently disbanded LA STAGE Alliance, and The Music Center. She currently serves as Co-Producing Artistic Director of (un)defined arts collective, a new arts company dedicated to exploring various artistic mediums, bridging the gap between the arts and the community, redefining storytelling outside of western practices, and creating a space where artists can advocate for themselves and flourish in their artistic practice. She works consistently with BLKLST, a BIPOC created and led mechanism of accountability through transparency and community oversight in the Los Angeles Theatre Community. Her artistic work reflects her mission to bring voice to Latinx/Afro-Latinx experiences and to uplift the dynamic stories of Angelenos.

Celia Rivera is a Black Latinx/Caribbean actress. In her work, she seeks to center and amplify Black and Brown voices and experiences. Select Acting: "Hoops" (World Premiere) at Milwaukee Chamber Rep, "Time Out LA" recommended, "Love is Another Country" at Coin & Ghost, Illyrian Players' "Fucking A". Select Directing: "Measure for Measure" at Art of Acting Studio, Project Nongenue's "A Tempest", Associate Director for "Radical" (World Premiere) at IAMA Theatre Company. She's also worked with LA Jolla Playhouse, Antaeus Theatre, Echo Theatre, Rogue Artists Ensemble, Ensemble Studio/LA, Geffen Playhouse, The Vagrancy and Skylight Theatre. National Finalist in the Acting Category at KCACTF. Creator & Co-Founder of BLKLST. Co-Author of the L.A. Anti-Racist Theatre Standards (LA ARTS). Both aim to hold Los Angeles-based theatre companies accountable to the larger BIPOC theatre community and to create a systemic shift that centers equitable practices and norms. IAMA’s Theatre Company's Literary Manager and is a company member. B.A. USC's School of Dramatic Arts. IG: @CeliaMandela @BLKLST_LA

Adargiza De Los Santos is an Afro-Latina of Dominican descent from Brooklyn, NY. While she hones her filmmaking and directing skills, you can catch her recurring in the new series, The Horror of Dolores Roach and in the latest season of Abbott Elementary. Adargiza's recent acting credits include Grey's Anatomy, This Is Us, Better Things, Castle, Shameless, Bosch, Criminal Minds, I Love That For You, Phil Spector, and many more. As a board member of Open Door Shakespeare Theater Company, she is a passionate advocate for the accessibility of Classical Theater to LGBTQIA+ and marginalized communities through captivating free performances open to the public. We are currently looking for our next "Donated" venue.

Explore the Exhibition

"AfroLatines in Los Angeles: Unveiling Voices, Empowering Communities"

October 6-30, 2023

William H. Hannon Library, 1st Floor

This exhibition not only marks the celebration of AfroLatinidad but also represents a significant effort to illuminate the often obscured history and remarkable contributions of AfroLatines in Los Angeles.  The exhibit focuses on Afro-Mexicans in Los Angeles and the United States and Mexico. At its core, through the Afro-Mexican experiences, the exhibit will touch on broader themes of the AfroLatine experiences, achievements, and struggles not only in Los Angeles but in the United States and its relationship to Central and South America. It aspires to create an inclusive and diverse space that not only celebrates the vibrancy of our community but also serves as a platform for dialogue on vital social issues.