Power Street Theatre (PST) is home to a collective of fierce multicultural and multidisciplinary artists dedicated to the mission of amplifying marginalized artists and communities of color throughout Philadelphia and beyond. We are dedicated to connecting neighbors through the power of story by making theatre accessible to all Philadelphians and creating and producing new inspiring stories addressing social-justice issues with innovative voices.
History & Mission
Power Street Theatre, founded in 2012 by Gabriela Sanchez and Erlina Ortiz, has grown into a collective of fierce multicultural and multidisciplinary artists.
We are dedicated to connecting communities through the power of story by making theatre accessible to communities in North Philadelphia. Power Street is dedicated to creating and producing new inspiring stories with innovative voices.
In the past seven years Power Street has produced seven full productions in addition to developing an educational program called Land & Body, which provides adults free theatre classes in North Philly. Power Street continues to grow artistically and with their new educational programs.
Here at Power Street we put our focus on storytelling, playwright’s text, and our community. All of our shows have minimal technical needs and can travel easily from our street to yours.
All booked performances include post-show audience conversations facilitated by one of our resident artists. For educational settings, Power Street has extended lesson plans available. Each Power Street show is connected to contemporary themes and dialogue – making them perfect for those studying history, sociology, anthropology, gender dynamics, and public policy.
Scroll down for an overview of Power Street’s original productions or click on the title of the show to learn more about the production history!
Contact Them Today To Book Your Show!
MinorityLand
When the local University begins to buy houses in the barrio, the landscape of a diverse neighborhood starts to change. Block by block residents are pushed out of their homes, and the fabric of the community unravels. Exploring what it means to be a ‘minority’ in modern day America, Erlina Ortiz’ MinorityLand is not about who is right or who is wrong – it’s about who has the power…Book MinorityLand
Las Mujeres
In this journey through time four famous Latinas of history emerge. Marlene, a workaholic engineer, has become the only womxn at her firm promoted to manager. After a devastating encounter, reality fades away and her kitchen becomes a party. The guests? Frida Kahlo, Rita Hayworth, Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, and Minerva Mirabal. Don’t know them? You will. These remarkable womxn share their stories of art and revolucion as they attempt to wake Marlene up.Book Las Mujeres
Morir Soynando
Erlina’s play explores the healing of one Latinx family and the inter-generational, complexities of domestic violence and the silence of trauma. Genesis, proud to have survived her family’s dysfunction is working her way through an Ivy League education. When her estranged mother, Paloma, is released from prison – Genesis is forced to confront her past. Traveling through the past, present and future – Morir Sonyando brings to light both destruction and healing.Book Morir Soynando
She Wore Those Shoes
Yudy is a strong and confident young Latina who excitedly joins the armed forces in pursuit of the military pride and prowess – just like her respected older brother Abraham. Yudy’s high regard for her military family is tarnished in the aftermath of trauma. Memory, cadence, and unexpected humor come together in Yudy’s journey through silence, disbelief, and betrayal as she navigates life as a womxn of color veteran striving to be more than just another statistic in America’s pervasive rape culture.Book Those Shoes
The Hidden DisAbilities Project
What are invisible disAbilities? How can you tell if you have one – or the person next to you? This immersive journey explores the gray area of having an invisible disability in a world of black and white. These personal stories are vulnerable, and as such may be triggering to some audience members.Book Hidden DisAbilities
Out of Orbit
Power and privilege go hand in hand – each is a difficult thing to give up. The imbalance of these power dynamics in our society have isolated us like a planet out of orbit. Three artists explore the lost ties that bind us, envision a society where humans learn to work together, and lament our floating through space – lost. Told through three generations of stories, poetry, and dance, Power Street investigates what it really means to be on top, and why so many are afraid to fall.Book Out of Orbit
Kiss of Addixion
School student audiences join Power Street down the yellow brick road to Emerald Street, where they meet King Oz in his fever dream. The Kiss of Addixion dives deep into the working thoughts of people and communities impacted by health injustice. This dynamic ensemble takes audiences on a journey through several different perspectives, and invites them to investigate the complexities of substance abuse.Addixion Booking
Pa’Lante
An international and intergenerational group of artists come together to share their stories of their unique Latinx experiences in America. Their stories interconnect with the five senses as each storyteller navigates their cultural roots unearthing resilience, tradition
and legacy.Book Pa’Lante
