SARASOTA, FLA.- The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art announced that the museum’s Art of Performance program will feature two artists who have recently been recipients of 2019-2020 Southern Exposure: Performing Arts of Latin America program grants. Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation (MAAF) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) have announced grants totaling $120,000. The support will help communities across the U.S. bring exceptional performing arts groups from Latin America for performances and community engagement activities that build an understanding and appreciation for the richness and diversity of Latin American cultures.

"We are thrilled to be able to share these wonderful musicians, dancers, and theater artists with communities across the United States," said Theresa Colvin, Executive Director of Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation. "Southern Exposure truly is special in its ability to highlight what is unique about the cultures it represents while also illuminating the common humanity in all people."

Grants support 37 engagements in 18 states across the U.S. Artists that will be performing this season at The Ringling include: Teatro y Su Doble from Chile and Son Luna y Jóvenes Zapateadores from Mexico.

Teatro y Su Doble will open “Feos” (“The Ugly Ones”) Feb. 7 and 8. Written by acclaimed Chilean playwright Guillermo Calderón and inspired by the story “La Noche de los Feos” by Mario Benedetti, “Feos” is a visual feast of Bunraku-style puppetry. A man and a woman who have spent their whole lives alone and subjected to stares due to physical deformities have a chance encounter in line at a movie theater and together go in search of the light behind the darkness, although nothing is quite as it seems. Incorporating stop motion projections, puppeteering of the highest caliber, and a story that challenges audiences to look at their own faults with honesty and acceptance, the production is a unique work of beauty. The play is for adult audiences and is performed with English surtitles.

Son Luna y Jóvenes Zapateadores will present “¡Vívelo!” Dec. 12-14, 2019. “¡Vívelo!” merges different rhythms and dance styles such as folkloric dance, contemporary, Spanish dance and African-inspired movements. Mexican musical ensemble Son Luna provides the traditional music of Veracruz, Mexico, and dance troupe Jóvenes Zapateadores showcase the evolution of Son Jarocho roots with different rhythms and dance styles. Masterfully displaying dance genres from the region and beyond, this large scale production provides strong entry points for presenters seeking a highly energetic folkloric piece.

Elizabeth Doud, The Ringling’s Currie-Kohlmann Curator of Performance said “Southern Exposure has been invaluable support to presenters working with artists in Latin America. We are thrilled to be able to bring these exciting, international groups to Sarasota. We would like to thank the program and the NEA for helping to make these performances possible.”