The Sala Project: Echoes of Curtis Park

May 8-18, 2025

Savoy Denver

Join Alma, a thoughtful woman of Latina/Mexican heritage, on a tour of the historic Savoy Denver — until a mysterious radio crackles to life and a cosmic Radio DJ takes control, guiding Alma through decades of songs, memories, and true stories that celebrate the Latine and Chicano/a history of Denver’s Curtis Park neighborhood. From Abuela’s kitchen to Sacred Heart Church, and to the beating heart of Mestizo-Curtis Park, experience this journey of culture and belonging. 

Echoes of Curtis Park was created through recorded interviews, written correspondence, story circles with former and longtime residents, dance socials at the Savoy, and archival research. Led by Lisa Hori-Garcia, Debra Gallegos and Theatre Artibus, the core artistic team shaped these collected narratives into a script that blends actual transcripts, personal stories, and a touch of theatrical magic. Supported by the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, Colorado Health Foundation, Denver Theatre District, and RiNo Arts District, the production features an ensemble of local Latine actors—some with family roots in Curtis Park—who bring these histories to life. The creative team and cast hope audiences will find joy in honoring the past and building a future that, in their words, “truly honors everyone!”

Directed by Lisa Hori-Garcia in collaboration with Theatre Artibus, the ensemble cast includes Stephanie Saltis, Magally Luna, Mitch Marquez, Debra Gallegos, Lucinda Lazo, Phil Luna, and Buba Basishvili & Meghan Frank (co-creators of Theatre Artibus).  Designers include Cipriano Ortega (Set), Ricky O-Olguin (Sound), Sean Mallary (Lighting), and Brynn Starr Sater (Costumes), Martha Wirth Photography, and a mural created for the Savoy by visual artist Tony Ortega with help from Cipriano Ortega.

Theatre Artibus is offering complimentary tickets to community members who generously shared their stories for this project. Audiences can support this gesture by purchasing a Great Neighbor Ticket, which sponsors a seat for a storyteller and strengthens the circle of community around this endeavor. Theatre Artibus is in residence at the Savoy Denver.  Built in 1889, The Savoy Denver has long been a gathering place for performers, community members, and businesses. Situated at the crossroads of RiNo and historic Five Points/Curtis Park, The Savoy is committed to honoring the neighborhood’s cultural legacy. Recently renovated to preserve its charm and enhance amenities, The Savoy remains a welcoming social hall and artistic hub. 

Creative Team Bios: 

Theatre Artibus is a physical theatre company in residence at the Savoy Denver, dedicated to strengthening community through the experience of live performance. More info at theartibus.com

Lisa Hori-Garcia is an actress, director, writer, and teaching artist who spent 22 years as a company member with the Tony-award winning, political theater company, The San Francisco Mime Troupe.  She has worked locally with Denver’s Curious Theater company, Denver Center for the Arts, and nationally with Magic Theatre, California Shakespeare Theater, and the American Conservatory Theater.  

Debra Gallegos has performed music and theatre in Colorado and the Southwest for over 50 years.  Debra is best known for her work with Su Teatro, Denver’s Chicano Theatre company, since 1974.  She continues to be part of the arts community and volunteers with KUVO Public Radio Station.  Debra is an accomplished musician and vocalist who was inducted into the Su Teatro Chicano Music Hall of Fame.