Santiago Guzmán organized curtain raisers to open every night of the run of his play, ALTAR, showcasing the talent of Indigenous, Black, and artists of colour local to St. John’s, Newfoundland.

Some of the themes explored were love, grief, queer perspectives, magic, Immigrant experiences, and life. Pieces in other languages were welcomed and encouraged.

“So how do I create more space for other stories in the community?”

In partnership with the Resource Centre for the Arts Theatre Company, it was Santiago’s desire to share the stage with other racialized artists in his community to acknowledge that ALTAR is the story of only one queer immigrant in Newfoundland. Santiago wanted to invite audience members to see diversity beyond the single character in ALTAR.

Santiago explains his motivation: “When we go to the theatre, we just see the finished product... I was really interested in sharing that platform and sharing that way of teaching and mentoring and learning.”

‍Curtain-raiser artists: 

Arshad Shaikh

Borrego Escritor

Deantha and Annabelle Edmunds

Ife Alaba

Rebecca Sharr

Tendai Mudunge and Charliza Slusher

Valmy 

William Ping