[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 118 (Tuesday, September 9, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1694]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO THE PUERTO RICAN TRAVELING THEATER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 9, 1997

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay a special tribute to 
a hard working group of people who compose The Puerto Rican Traveling 
Theater [PRTT]. The PRTT produces plays by Hispanic writers from all 
heritages, and performs them alternately in Spanish and English. These 
programs, which the company provides for free for the economically 
disadvantaged, have been hugely successful. During Hispanic Heritage 
Month, I think it is only appropriate to honor this group, which has 
made such a contribution to the Latino community.
  On September 18 the theater celebrates its 30th anniversary season at 
the Copacabana with a star-studded gala entitled ``Latino Legends and 
Legacies.''
  For 30 years PRTT has performed productions of impeccable artistic 
quality in both Spanish and English. Having performed all over New 
York, in 22 different locations, the PRTT is a well known commodity in 
the Hispanic Community. The theater communicates with direct mails to 
50,000 Hispanic households each year and has a live audience of 15,000 
annually, of which 95 percent are Hispanic. Through their annual summer 
touring, they reach out to 22 different geographic communities in New 
York and New Jersey, and have a large network of contacts with the 
leadership organizations in these communities. The PRTT also received 
critical acclaim from the New York Times, the New Yorker, El Diario, 
among other major press.
  Founding/Artistic Director Miriam Colon recently received the 1996 
Governor's Award for the Arts on PRTT's behalf, along with such 
luminaries as Robert DeNiro, Leo Castelli, and Jazz legend Milt Hilton. 
The Award Ceremony hosted by Governor George Pataki was aired on PBS in 
November. Ms. Colon is also known in the film industry with her most 
recent films, ``Lone Star'', directed by John Sayles, and ``Sabrina'', 
with Harrison Ford. Most recently she appeared on the Bill Cosby Show.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my collegues, I would like to wish them 
much success with their future endeavors and look forward to 
celebrating another 30 years of performances.

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