Artistic Director Jose Miguel Hernandez Hurtado speaks to cast members of “La Vida es Sueno” at the Community Folk Art Center in Syracuse, New York. Credit: Courtesy of Community Folk Art Center

When Jose Miguel Hernandez Hurtado came to Syracuse from Havana nearly three decades ago, he brought his affinity for performance arts.

Hurtado is trained in theater, and contemporary Latin American and traditional Caribbean dance styles, which he teaches to young performers.  

For the past 25 years, Hurtado has worked as the artistic director at La Joven Guardia del Teatro y La Danza Latina Inc.

“Through theater and through art, it’s a good way to accomplish so many things. And this is one thing that I want to do, to [give] back to our community,” Hurtado said. 

This week, Hurtado has helped put on the 17th-century classic Spanish-language play “La Vida es Sueño.” The title translates to “Life is a Dream.” The play was written by Spanish dramatist and writer Pedro Calderón de la Barca.

It was adapted by Brad Beckman, a drama professor at Syracuse University College of Visual and Performing Arts. The play will feature a nine-member cast and will take place in Spanish. It premiered at the Community Folk Art Center at 805 E. Genesee St. on Wednesday and runs through Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $5.

La Vida es Sueno is among 25 other productions Hurtado has directed through his theater company, La Joven Guardia. 

“The members of this cast, this is the first time that (some will) perform in Spanish, and they are not fluent in Spanish,” Hurtado said. “So, they memorize lines, they work with the rest of the cast and the kids, and they have the opportunity to learn Spanish, and also learn about the culture.”

Hurtado’s students are exposed to classical and contemporary literature created by writers from Cuba, Spain, and Latin America. He intentionally introduces students to plays they might not learn about in the local education system. The students have performed at a host of locations including Syracuse Stage, Syracuse University, theater festivals, and other citywide venues.

La Joven Guardia has worked with Syracuse’s inner-city youth since 1999 to develop their artistry, self-esteem, and sense of purpose. Many of Hurtado’s students have gone on to achieve success in careers as nurses, physical therapists, police officers, and lawyers.

“My mission is not to create any actors for Broadway or Hollywood. That’s not my mission. My mission is to create somebody who respects themselves and helps our community to be a better world. The children are important, “ Hurtado said.

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Yolanda Stewart was raised in the Bronx, New York City. Before choosing a career path in journalism she found a voice in writing plays, short stories, and a myriad of other creative outlets. She is a 2022...