Abuelito, dime tú
Recognizing that seniors are natural artists, and embracing their love of stories, Teatro Circulo’s multigenerational program taps into the vast experiences of seniors to share their own stories and make a performance from them.
Our programs create a space where seniors and their families grow and learn about their culture and histories, and about the world at large, through intergenerational dialogue with artists, art and storytelling.
Designed to nurture the creative spirit and curiosity of seniors, Teatro Círculo’s provides opportunities to grow as both author and audience, as seniors engage with the work of accomplished artists and storytellers, to create and share their own experiences and thirst for knowledge.
ABUELITO, DIME TÚ
GRANDPA, GRANDMA, TELL ME A STORY
Program Manager: Rubén Darío Cruz II
PITT SENIOR CENTER
Enjoy the presentation of ‘Abuelito, dime tú’ at Pitt Senior Center, 2024
Teatro Círculo’s “Abuelito, dime tú” is an in-person and on-line theater residency program conducted at senior care facilities throughout the City, which exercises seniors’ creativity and imagination using techniques of theatrical storytelling and performance – from playwriting to staging, conducted in both English and Spanish Languages. Few programs in NYC actively engage seniors from low- to moderate income neighborhoods of color, and even fewer that cater to the LGBTQ senior community.
RAÍCES ASTORIA
‘Abuelito, dime tú’ at Raíces Astoria Center, 2024
RAÍCES CORONA
‘Abuelito, dime tú’ at Raíces Corona Center, 2024
While theatrical exercises and play presentations offer numerous benefits for seniors, tapping into the richness of their own history and storytelling powers, Teatro Círculo’s “Abuelito, dime tú” also addresses the cognitive disabilities and physical impairment largely due to a lack of active mental and physical stimulation that come from social isolation. Social isolation as a vital public health policy has unfortunately contributed to a sense of loneliness among seniors, a well-known risk factor for increased mortality in patients with advanced disease and advanced age. Among older New Yorkers, especially in Latinx communities, this is a serious issue affecting their health and wellbeing.
CYPRESS HILLS-FULTON STREET OLDER ADULT CENTER
THE KIPPS BAY OLDER ADULT CENTER IN THE BRONX
THE SHOPP - SOUNDVIEW OLDER ADULT CENTER IN THE BRONX
Accordingly, Teatro Círculo recognizes the need to address the social isolation and loneliness heightened by the pandemic. Seniors have become a forgotten group as New York is still recovering from the pandemic. Now more than ever, Teatro Círculo’s “Abuelito, dime tú” combats social isolation and acknowledges the life, dignity, and creativity among our seniors’ constant process of change and growth, developing a renewed sense of self-worth, self-discovery, self-actualization and empowerment through performance and storytelling.
Each senior center residency ends with two public performances created by the senior participants of an original theatrical and/or performance piece that will be mounted and performed in Spanish and/or the primary language of the participants at the “Abuelito, dime tú Festival” open to the public at Teatro Círculo’s homebase theater on East 4th Street.
Michael Tuch Foundation
City Council Member Carlina Rivera, District 2, Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala, District 8, City Council Majority Leader Amanda Farías, District 18, City Council Member Francisco Moya, District 21, Tiffany Cabán, District 22 & City Council Member Sandy Nurse, District 37
