Recently, I experienced a moment that perfectly blended my personal and professional worlds, reminding me of the power of art to connect us all. CCI Group was contracted to provide ASL interpreting services for a play called “Tres Comedias de Emilio Carballido” (Three Comedies by Emilio Carballido) a renowned Mexican playwright known for his prolific and influential work in Latin American theater. The plays were: “Quién anda allí?” (Who’s There?), “El espejo” (The Mirror) and “Una mujer de malas” (A Woman Having a Bad Day). This became more than just another event I was overseeing – it was a celebration of friendship, accessibility, and the joy of shared laughter.
When Past Meets Present
As fate would have it, my best friend from childhood, Carolina Paez, was performing in this very production. The same friend I used to rollerblade with through the streets of Colombia, who was my confidant during my first crush at 13, was now bringing characters to life on stage. Watching her shine in her element, bringing characters to life with such skill and passion, I felt such a joy that’s hard to put into words. It was a beautiful reminder of how far we’ve both come, yet how some connections remain simply… timeless.
The Power of Interpretation
Another thing that made this event truly special was its commitment to inclusivity. CCI Group had been contracted to provide American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation for the performance. As the CEO of the company, I don’t have that many opportunities anymore to watch my interpreting team in action. As I watched deaf audience members laughing and fully engaging with the play, I was reminded of why we do what we do. This was accessibility in action – breaking down barriers and ensuring that the joy of theater could be shared by all. Our ASL interpreting team went above and beyond, studying the play days in advance and coordinating meticulously with the production. Their dedication to conveying not just the words, but the spirit and nuance of the performances was truly impressive. It was a testament to the skill and passion required to bridge linguistic and cultural gaps.
Laughter Knows No Boundaries
The comedies themselves were a delight, eliciting more genuine laughter from me than many Broadway shows I’ve attended. There’s something special about humor that speaks to your cultural roots, that plays with language and references in a way that feels like coming home. It was a powerful reminder of how shared language and cultural references can create an immediate connection with an audience. I felt among friends. I felt like I belonged.
A Night to Remember
Not often do we get the opportunity to do what we love, surrounded by people we care about, while watching others pursue their passions. This night was a perfect confluence of personal and professional joy. It reinforced my belief in the importance of accessible arts and the vital role organizations like Descolonizarte Teatro play in bringing diverse cultural experiences to immigrant communities.
Looking Forward
This experience has only strengthened my commitment to working with passionate individuals like Nadia Garzon, Executive & Artistic Director and Colombian immigrant, and supporting initiatives that prioritize accessibility in the arts. It’s a reminder that when we break down barriers and create inclusive spaces, the result is pure magic – laughter, connection, and shared human experiences that transcend language and ability.
What a beautiful coincidence to have my childhood friend and my professional world together in such a meaningful way. At CCI Group, we do so much more than providing language services – it’s about building bridges, fostering understanding, and creating spaces where everyone can share in the transformative power of art.
At the end of the play, I cried (sorry to my client and my interpreters if I scared you a little). In a world that often feels divided, experiences like this remind us of the universal languages of laughter, friendship, and shared human experiences.
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