NUESTRA HISTORIA/OUR STORY
HOW WE BEGAN
Teatro Tariakuri was established by Karla Lopez Galvan, a Mexican/Peruvian American immigrant as a result of her personal struggles with acceptance in the artistic realm due to factors like her ethnicity and language barriers. With this, Teatro Tariakuri was created to provide a spotlight for underrepresented voices to express themselves, to be seen, and understood. For this reason, Teatro Tariakuri is established in the Southwest Chicago Lawn neighborhood and is dedicated to producing Spanish-language productions for Chicago’s Mexican American immigrant community. Tariakuri a non-for-profit theatrical and cultural center located at 3117 W 63rd St. In the heart of Inglewood, Marquette Park and surrounding neighborhoods. On July 14th, 2020, Tarakuri theatre officially became 501c3 and it could not have happened at a more crucial time.
ABOUT US
Teatro Tariakuri has created a theatrical venue directly descendent of Mexico's "Teatro Carpero" a troupe of talented traveling troubadours, taking the latest news and gossip from around the country to scattered cities and pueblos.
Teatro Tariakuri staging productions in Spanish - "El Teatro del Pueblo" - as some of us call it con cariño (with affection). Has made presence in our six-year-old theater and dance studio house located on 63rd Street and Troy the heart of Marquette Park which is being recognized as the new port of entry for the Mexican (Latino) immigrant community Tariakuri has established itself as a dominant force in this Southside barrio promoting not just theatrical productions but programming for children in dance and theater. The community we serve identifies with our programs, and performances.
Since its inception in 2004 Tariakuri has continued to grow and expand its reach. After securing 501c3 status in 2020, Tariakuri was permitted to collaborate with the Chicago Latino Theater Alliance for "La Manera Como Luces Esta Noche'' at Destinos: 4th Chicago International Latino Theater Festival. Continuing in 2022, we showcased "Bruna la Bruja Bruta," In 2023, our Chilpayates, a youth ensemble, wowed audiences with "El Baile de los Números," recognized by the Chicago Reader. Our production "Loteria" also garnered acclaim, recommended by both the Chicago Reader and garnered a Jeff Award nomination. That year we engaged 45,000 attendees at Luma8's Upside Down Parade and Arts in the Dark Parade and participated in the Taste of Chicago: Marquette Park. Our programming in 2023 made such an impact, we hosted a site visit with Governor J.B. Pritzker at our theatre.
Teatro Tariakuri is a long time mentor, partner and host of Cabaret Parodia theater ensemble, a Spanish language Latine LGBTQIA+ Latino theater company founded by director Esteban Pantoja. Cabaret Parodia's productions draw sold-out audiences showcasing the power of our collaborative hub.
Ultimately, we are "El Teatro del Pueblo". We have made a presence in our community, which is being recognized as the new port of entry for the Latino immigrant community. The community we serve identifies with our programs, and performances. We give them a sense of pride and work diligently to instill hope and nurture a more embracing community.
OUR MISSION
Our organization was created with our low-income communities in mind. Our Youth Arts Program provides an in-depth education that focuses on creativity and contemporary techniques of theater and dance rooted in our Latino culture all taught by Chicago’s finest professional faculty. Both our adult and youth Theater Ensemble (ages 5 to 15) develop a positive experience in the unique environment of the Teatro Tariakuri's very own studios. Our classes include bilingual/bicultural dance, theatre, and music courses for all ages. The majority of our students are of Latino decent.The families we serve are predominantly from the Chicago Lawn, Marquette, Englewood and surrounding communities. The community we serve identifies with our programs, and performances. Giving them a sense of pride and uplifting hope to a more embracing community.
NUESTROS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mrs. Karla Galvan - President
Mrs. Sara Carranza- Vice President
Ms. Sofia P. Villasenor - Secretary
We love dance and theatre!
"Teatro Tariakuri has helped my kids many aspects, socially, artistically and mentally. Their confidence has grown tremendously as well.”
Elideth/Parent