The fifth annual edition of the Latin American Performing Arts Festival (FLAE), produced by Orlando-based Open Scene, will again encompass an ambitious weeks’ worth of eclectic performances and exhibitions designed specifically to raise the visibility of diverse and often underrepresented communities.
And for the first time, every event will be presented free of charge, according to Mariela Saad, general producer at Open Scene. The nonprofit—founded in 2019 by Thamara Bejarano, a Venezuelan immigrant who left behind a career in journalism and academia—has a mission to foster creativity, connection and cultural exchange through arts programs.
The idea is to expand upon the festival’s mission to widen the public’s perspective with multicultural, multilingual offerings—and to do so in a way that keeps the faith with audiences regardless of income or class. (Previous editions followed a “pay what you wish” model.)
“Open Scene is a lifestyle—an immersive way of bringing people together through creativity, inclusion and shared experiences,” says Saad. “That ethos shapes every program we create and every connection we build in the community.”
The festival’s roster will be an international one. Claire and Antho, a French duo, will perform Souvenirs, an exploration of emotional damage that will incorporate elements of dance, video, shadow play and physical theater.
Other performances will include a fusion of flamenco and bolero by a Spanish quartet of musicians and dancers; an Afro-Caribbean dance percussion piece by New York’s Tambor y Caña; and a musical cabaret in the style of 1950s Havana—complete with a full orchestra and a special guest appearance by Venezuelan actor Franklin Virgüez.
Interactive art installations will be set up throughout the grounds of this year’s host site, the Maitland Art Center. The festival will also have an online element, with plays from Brazil and Venezuela available to stream. All streamed performances will feature audience talkbacks and will be translated into more than 25 languages.
Refreshments will be provided by local vendors who have likewise agreed to supply their wares without charge. “With the support of our partners and funders, we’re inviting the community into an immersive celebration of culture, language and connection that you won’t find anywhere else,” says Saad.
Open Scene is a year-round undertaking that also presents plays, art installations, workshops and other artistic forays at various area venues. The organization also holds a playwriting contest that draws submissions from across the globe and publishes a multilingual digital magazine.
The Maitland Art Center is located at 231 West Packwood Avenue, Maitland. For more information, call or visit the website.
