“ICONS”, a performance by Jade Esteban Estrada, will be in the Occhiato University Center ballroom on Wednesday, Oct. 14 from 8-9:30 p.m.
The performance features Estrada playing different lesbian and gay icons in history. Nicky Damania, the director of student activities, said students will benefit from what the performer brings.
“The play portrays six famous icons who changed history and they happened to be an LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) individual,” he said.
According to his own Web site, Estrada was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. He earned a scholarship to the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York and sharpened his knowledge of performing.
He has studied dance along side Jennifer Lopez, with choreographer Slam, from Madonna’s “Blond Ambition Tour” among other notable teachers, the Web site said.
According to the Web site, Estrada has also worked for a Tony-award winning actress, performed in a hip-hop group and danced for Charo, before starting his own record label and releasing his own record. In 2002, he debuted ICONS and has debuted six more shows since then.
Damania said even though there are other Pride events this month, this is the only major event held by the office of student activities.
“Prizm, the student organization, is hosting other events. A faculty member is hosting a class session, and the OSA [office of student activities] is hosting an Ally Development program,” he said.
“This is on Tuesday before to help individuals learn more about the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) culture,” Damania said.
Damania said he wants students to get a better understanding of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender culture through this performance.
“The play promotes awareness. I would love students to have better understanding of all diverse identities,” he said.
Damania thinks this performance will open the minds of the audience.
“We have a performance like this to expand individual minds about the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender culture. This is during National Coming-Out Day. We are also having this to promote diversity and education,” he said.
Damania said he wants students to get more out of this show than to just have a good time.
“I want students to realize that LGBT individuals are everywhere and a major component of our society,” he said
