The Philadelphia community is preparing for a unique artistic experience that combines music, storytelling, and emotion. Story teller, poet, and artist Anjoli Santiago will be part of an Ensemble 132 concert, where they will present a bilingual and reimagined version of Petrushka, the classic work by composer Igor Stravinsky. 

The event will take place on April 11 at 3:00 p.m. at Teatro Esperanza, with general admission priced at $15 and free entry for students and people over 60 and is presented in partnership with Philadelphia Chamber Music Society and WRTI. 

Santiago, a Philadelphia-based artist, explained that ensemble132 is a chamber group made up of five or six musicians who perform works by composers from around the world. In the first part of the program, the audience will enjoy instrumental music by Latine composers that conveys emotion without the need for words. 

“How do we feel a story without words? Music transcends language, barriers, and borders,” Santiago said. 

A universal story with a Latino identity 

The second part of the concert will mark the world premiere of a new version of Petrushka, adapted by Santiago. The original work, created in 1911, tells the story of puppets that come to life and experience love and pain for the first time. 

In this adaptation, Santiago reimagines the main character as Pedro, a young Mexican man living in a magical town where the migration of monarch butterflies is celebrated. There, he meets a dancer he falls in love with, beginning a story of love, heartbreak, and personal growth. 

“Love, heartbreak, and emotional pain are universal experiences. We wanted to bring that story into the present and make it relevant to our community,” the artist explained. 

The bilingual approach is not only meant to innovate but also to honor Philadelphia’s Latino community. “We wanted people from the neighborhood to see themselves reflected on stage, to feel that they can be there too,” she added. 

Art to heal and unite the community 

In addition to her artistic work, Santiago is an educator and administrator of arts programs in city schools. For her, art is a fundamental tool for healing and connection. 

“Art helps us heal the mind, heart, and body. It is a space where we can set aside our differences and come together as a community,” she said. 

As a final message, Santiago invited the public to be part of the celebration: “Like butterflies, we can transform and fly together. This is a moment to remember that we are not alone and that there is unity in our community.”