We Have Ire

“Iré is Lucumí (Yoruba) for the good fortune we experience when our lives are in balance. We are blessed with positive energy when we are in tune with nature, when we are fulfilling our purpose, when we are spiritually in line with our destiny.”

A new multidisciplinary theater work by award-winning poet, performance artist, and playwright Paul S. Flores, We Have IRÉ, explores true stories of immigrant Cuban artists living in the United States, as well as their influences on and experiences with American culture.

Co-commissioned by six independent national arts presenters, and winner of both Creative Capital and Map Fund awards, We Have IRÉ features the performances of Afro-Cuban jazz luminary Yosvany Terry and musicians; award-winning choreographer Ramón Ramos Alayo and dancers; Oakland-based hip-hop artist DJ Leydis; and poet, writer, and Youth Speaks co-founder Paul S. Flores. Shaped by Flores’ research into his own roots and interviews with collaborators, the performance centers around the passion of four immigrant artists, their traditions, life in Cuba, and their individual journeys, from Cuba to the United States.