For the first time, Puerto Rican actor, playwright, and producer Josean Ortiz will perform in Philadelphia with his monologue “Tite Curet Alonso: Lyric and Poetry,” a play that pays tribute to the legendary Puerto Rican composer and his musical legacy that has shaped Latino culture worldwide.
A premiere full of emotion and meaning
Josean Ortiz shares his excitement about this first visit to Philadelphia: “For me, it’s a great challenge and dream to present this project in such a diverse city with a rich Latino community like here.” He explains that his message transcends borders and connects with the entire Latino diaspora thanks to the universality of salsa and Tite Curet Alonso’s songs, considered the “soundtrack” of many lives.
The challenge of transforming a book into a monologue
The project began after an invitation from Javier Santiago, executive director of the National Foundation for Popular Culture in Puerto Rico, as part of the theatrical series “Puro Teatro” and leading up to the centenary of Tite Curet Alonso. The biggest challenge was adapting the more than 400-page book Tite Curet Alonso, Lyric and Song by Norma Salazar into a ninety-minute monologue that, in 38 performances, has been adjusted to suit different audiences and settings.
The cultural and emotional resonance of the work
“Tite Curet Alonso composed more than 2,000 songs that are part of the Latino heart. His music evokes memories and emotions that cross generations, and his cultural legacy is invaluable,” said Josean.
A spiritual responsibility for the actor
“For me, portraying Afro-Caribbean figures like Tite Curet Alonso is a spiritual responsibility: I work with the energies of our ancestors and feel their presence in every performance. This deep connection makes each presentation an act of respect and dedication.”
A message for the Latino community
The monologue invites reflection on cultural identity and the importance of social awareness. “Tite was a humble man from a working-class neighborhood who left a global mark. If he could achieve this with fewer resources, we, with more access to education and technology, can too. Each generation has the commitment to fight for the next.”
The performance on Sunday, October 5th, will include monologues, live music, and videos featuring original performances by artists such as La Lupe, Ismael Rivera, Cheo Feliciano, Héctor Lavoe, and Celia Cruz. Additionally, there will be a post-show conversation for the audience to share their impressions and experiences with the actor.
Josean Ortiz invites the entire Latino community to enjoy this deep look into the life and work of the iconic Puerto Rican composer, promising a unique experience that will leave spectators feeling better than when they arrived—filled with hope and energy.
To purchase tickets and for more information: BoriTix.com
