Arnaldo Carmouze and
Arturo Fernandez
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Sharing space with rats, having the ability to fight and scrape from the bottom is the essence of Ground up & Rising. “Every single project we do, we want to treat it like it’s our first, rising from the ground up,” said Director of the company, Arturo Fernandez. “You can’t build a building without a solid foundation. If we keep our focus on construction, it will keep us hungry; searching to create and build.”
Ground Up & Rising is a young company of 3 years, comprised entirely of minority artists. Many of which are 35 years and younger taking advantage of an opportunity to work and grow their experience. Though they call all of Dade County their home, South Beach has become their main arena. However, they have found a second place of residency…Homestead, a town in which they have visions of turning into another mainstream venue.
Performed, April 17th, the Tupac Shakur story, “The Hate U Gave”, was Ground Up & Rising breakthrough production in Homestead. “On An Average Day”, their most recent production, was performed on May 15, 16 and 17.
It too was a dramatic story of complexity centered around a young man; (Bob) portrayed by Producer/Director, Arturo Fernandez, as a borderline schizophrenic suffering from sociopathic behavior, as he faced possible jail time for throwing a man from a car. his battle with his brother, (Jack) played by Arnaldo Carmouze, who after 23 years shows up at Bob’s door steps. It seems as though Jack, (a brother of better means) too struggled with inner conflicts of his own.
The two brothers engaged in a consequential battle that ultimately leads to an argument, gun shots and a fist fight. All this took place in the kitchen of Bob’s apartment that carried an unforgiving smell of decay.
The soul touching performance cast a journey of inward search such as the movie ‘Rain Man” starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise.
However, Art South and Ground Up & Rising is on a search of its own. Though the acting environment contains an atmospheric feel of big time theater, and despite the fact that the two performances exemplified those of good taste and quality, the collaborative forces suffers from a diagnostic aliment called, low patronage turn out.
“Not too often does Homestead get a chance to enjoy the Performing Arts,” said Director Fernandez. “We feel that it is a well underserved audience that has been neglected long enough. Perhaps as we move forward members of the community will began to hear of us. Yes, it is imperative that we receive their support, understanding that our ultimate goal is to introduce another avenue of expression to the children of the community. It is amazing the affect that the Arts have on children. It teaches them empowerment and enhances their ability to learn and grow smart.”
The two shows “On An Average Day” and “The Hate U Gave” send a positive message that really give children the opportunity to see characters they can behold. In many ways they are offered a relationship identifiable in the rise of tragedy and adversity depicted in their own daily lives.
Ground Up & Rising is making a conscious effort to assist neighborhood children through Art South after school programs and creative summer camp.
Meshaun Laborone the Writer and Star character of the first play performed, The Hate U Gave” has childhood roots in South Miami Heights. He attended Richmond Elementary School where he got his first taste of acting and has now become a talented young actor of today.
There are many more potential Meshaun Laborone’s living in the City of Homestead and Florida City. All they need is a chance to show their stuff. This is what Ground Up & Rising has to offer. Parents, friends and families are encouraged to come out to the upcoming performances, “Jesus Hopped The ‘A’ Train”, (to be presented on June 12, 13 and 14), and “The Pillowman”, (to be presented on October 30, 31 and November 1).
The two shows will be exciting and fun-filled. The only thing that may be missing is the coke and popcorn.
For more information on the two performances, contact Rosa Brito at (305) 247-9406. |
