2008 Woodie Awards
Student Develops Original Play, Prepares for Premiere
Young playwright finds inspiration in parent's triumphant escape from an oppressed Chile
Sindy Diaz
Issue date: 3/9/05 Section: A&E
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The tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, changed our lives. It brought terror and sadness, and to some it brought back not so distant memories.
La Lista Negra, an original piece written by Tatiana Leiva, a Citrus College student, is a perfect example.
"When Sept. 11 happened, it hit home for me," Leiva said. "I got home, and my mom was crying hysterically.
"I hadn't made the connection until I saw her face and my mom asked 'Why, why this day? Why does everything horrible have to happen on this date?' That is when it hit me."
Leiva was just 11 years old when her parents told her why they were forced to flee Chile, their homeland, for the United States.
"Listening to their story was heart breaking ," Leiva said. "My father was put through so much pain and there were so many times when he was near death."
Now, the 23 year-old playwright is preparing to unleash the world premier of La Lista Negra, a biographical work centering on her parents' struggles during their time in a 1973-dictated Chile.
Ricardo Leiva worked for Chilean President Salvador Allende. After his defeat by Pinochet and his army during a 1973 coup, Ricardo Leiva, with thousands of Allende's other workers, was blacklisted.
Ricardo Leiva and the other Allende supporters were tortured and taken to concentration camps.
"He was missing for a month," Tatiana Leiva said. "They tortured him until he was almost dead."
Finally, a nearly lifeless Ricardo Leiva was abandoned in the middle of the desert defenseless, left to find his way back home.
"He walked for miles and miles and found rides from people, until finally he made his way back to Santiago," she said.
During the time he was gone, his wife Patricia searched for him. She found support from Amnesty International, a worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognized human rights.
"My mother is also a hero because she never gave up on him and she never stopped. She kept going. She believed in him. She believed that he was alive. She kept fighting for him," Leiva said.
La Lista Negra, an original piece written by Tatiana Leiva, a Citrus College student, is a perfect example.
"When Sept. 11 happened, it hit home for me," Leiva said. "I got home, and my mom was crying hysterically.
"I hadn't made the connection until I saw her face and my mom asked 'Why, why this day? Why does everything horrible have to happen on this date?' That is when it hit me."
Leiva was just 11 years old when her parents told her why they were forced to flee Chile, their homeland, for the United States.
"Listening to their story was heart breaking ," Leiva said. "My father was put through so much pain and there were so many times when he was near death."
Now, the 23 year-old playwright is preparing to unleash the world premier of La Lista Negra, a biographical work centering on her parents' struggles during their time in a 1973-dictated Chile.
Ricardo Leiva worked for Chilean President Salvador Allende. After his defeat by Pinochet and his army during a 1973 coup, Ricardo Leiva, with thousands of Allende's other workers, was blacklisted.
Ricardo Leiva and the other Allende supporters were tortured and taken to concentration camps.
"He was missing for a month," Tatiana Leiva said. "They tortured him until he was almost dead."
Finally, a nearly lifeless Ricardo Leiva was abandoned in the middle of the desert defenseless, left to find his way back home.
"He walked for miles and miles and found rides from people, until finally he made his way back to Santiago," she said.
During the time he was gone, his wife Patricia searched for him. She found support from Amnesty International, a worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognized human rights.
"My mother is also a hero because she never gave up on him and she never stopped. She kept going. She believed in him. She believed that he was alive. She kept fighting for him," Leiva said.