“Charla” A Chat With José Martí

It is 1891 and José Martí (as portrayed by Chaz Mena) is preparing for his first trip to Tampa and Ybor City.  Time is running out for the Cuban independence movement, and Martí must inspire and galvanize his people to join the revolution against Spain in order to achieve a just society in Cuba.  As he readies himself for the journey, Martí reflects upon his childhood, his studies, his writings, and his loves.  “Charla,” which in Spanish means “a chat,” allows us to appreciate the challenges Martí faced in jump-starting the Cuban Revolution.

Chaz Mena, who has an MFA from Carnegie-Mellon University, has appeared in film and television and is a seasoned, theatrical actor.  An award winning performer, Mr. Mena is now working on an up-coming book about playing Martí in Florida. “Charla” A Chat with José Martí was created by Mena with a grant from FHC.

Required equipment:

LCD projector computer (capable of running PowerPoint) screen (or blank/white wall) Square or rectangular table – approximately 4 X 4 over which a 5 X 8 flag will be draped Two period chairs, circa 1891 (no metal or folding chairs - no plastic chairs) Pitcher of water and drinking glass (no bottled water)