The Hollis International Scholars Project was without doubt
one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I definitely
learned a lot about Hispanic theatre and culture, as well as
myself—my thoughts, ideas, and opinions. Experiencing an
entirely different culture from my own taught me to
appreciate the way I grew up, not so much because it was
better or worse, but truthfully, because it is familiar to me. I
loved having to speak Spanish because it was so satisfying to
successfully communicate with a person in a language not my
own; to know that I could survive by myself. It was amazing
to see the different cultures that exist within the United States
and to learn about people who are different than myself, yet at
the same time so similar because of our shared interests in
theatre.
- Kelly Sullivan
Everyone gets tired of acting sometimes and the only thing that can rejuvenate the spirit, in my opinion, is seeing another actor that isn't tired. After performing and performing and performing, I was tired. I was sick, frustrated, ready to give up theatre entirely, but then I saw, talked to, and partied with a group of actors, who were performing in a great original work. After seeing how happy they were, I realized that theatre, in all its glory, truly is the greatest profession in the world. - Mark Kenneally
It was not until we saw Aquí estamos…otra
vez that the brotherhood of the theater really took
shape. Here, language ceased to be an issue as true ability and
comic timing delivered the play, and understanding, to
everyone in the group.
- Carlos Montenegro
I was afraid of not being able to understand the plays we viewed or being understood myself in the plays we performed. Yet, I was amazed at how much the action of a play can be understood by the actor alone and not the words. I soon realized the importance of the actor in a play. It is as Jerzy Grotowski stated: the only two things needed to have theatre are the actor and the audience. While the words provided a course for the actors to take, it was their actions, tones, movements, and looks that helped to define the play as well as help me understand it. I then took this into account when I was performing. - Will Joseph
It became obvious to me that the aim of these plays was much
greater than sheer entertainment. These plays were serving as
guides as to who they were, the struggles that they had
endured, and possibilities for the future.
- Julie Schmitt
Hispanic playwrights are not as conservative as some of their North American contemporaries. They are less easily shocked and more willing to discuss unpleasant issues in their plays. Actors seemed more likely to push themselves further emotionally while acting, or perhaps it is because they have to do so because of the issues involved. - Kelly Sullivan
Theatre for me has always been a source of entertainment,
although I knew it was an art form. Yet, when I saw
Hispanic Theatre last semester, I began to understand why it
is such an impressive art form. The Hispanics use the theatre
as a vehicle to convey a message from a person or group of
people. They are extremely serious about their craft. The
performers are intensely focused on their roles. Theatre is
treated almost like the Ancient Greeks treated theatre, like a
religion. However, as seriously as they treat their craft, they
can portray theatre as a fun and an easily entertaining show.
- Josette Galtieri
Although I was impressed by the passion and desire that the people have for their music, by the end of the trip I would do anything for a Dave Mathews song on the radio. - Mark Kenneally
My main problem was that I do not like to look at the bones
or skeletal remains of my meal, granted maybe I should
reconsider eating meat altogether, yet, I attempted to carve
away the carcass that lay before me only to discover that there
was hardly any meat there anyway. I did like the rice very
much, though, so I figured I would have something to sustain
me throughout my stay in Puerto Rico.
- Will Joseph
I had never been to a party before, where the host was
unaware of the party, and the guests provided music through
the use of bongos and other percussive type instruments.
- Julie Schmitt
The people we were with taught us how to dance and play the
percussion instruments they had, and tried to teach us the
songs that all of them seemed to know. It was such a
wonderful experience because, for the first time, our group
felt really welcomed into the culture, as if they were sharing
something special of themselves with us.
- Kelly Sullivan
I must admit, I felt a little awkward, being dropped into that
situation at that time, and it made me wonder how different I
might be had my parents immigrated to Puerto Rico instead
of Florida. Would I look at knowing the Spanish language as
a proud tradition, instead of as a tool for my resume?
- Carlos Montenegro
The only advice I can give to the future students who embark
on this glorious quest for knowledge and understanding,
which I like to think of as a stepping stone for global
harmony, is this: learn to tolerate the people you meet and
your fellow students on the trip. Understand that accidents
happen, words are said that you/they don't really mean, and
attitudes come in all cultures and colors. If you can't take this
kind of heat, then get out while you can.
- Carlos Montenegro
Please address praise, scorn, and other comments concerning the design of this and other project web pages to Ken McCoy (kmccoy@stetson.edu)
Last Update: April 29, 1997