Since its creation in 2014, Holy Cross’s bilingual theater troupe, Uni2ACT, has been a haven—a safe, creative space for Holy Cross students to explore, appreciate, and fully express themselves. Every Friday afternoon, mentored by Professors Lokos and Freear-Papio, students and FLAs unite in a cocurricular community that fosters the exploration of their cultural and linguistic selves while delving into issues of identity, race and social justice. Students of Spanish language hone their linguistic skills almost effortlessly, benefitting from a judgement-free zone and the conversation and companionship of their Spanish speaking peers. Hispanic students experience the pride derived from sharing their language and culture. The result? A miraculous alchemy of language, culture and confidence.
Beyond the obvious pedagogical, linguistic and cultural takeaways from the Uni2ACT experience, students develop critical skillsets necessary for their current studies as well as their future lives as professionals and community members. The writing of original bilingual scripts fosters critical thinking skills and teamwork. Creative, improvisational stage work cultivates cognitive flexibility and the ability to think on one’s feet. First-time, often reluctant actors transform into confident
performers with excellent public speaking skills and stage presence. The exposure to the many varied Hispanic cultures, helps to prepare our students to be citizens of a global world and marketplace. Many of the most critical skills required in the boardroom, in the courtroom, in the operating theater and within families and communities, are cultivated during the meetings and performances of Uni2ACT. Perhaps, most importantly, students in Uni2ACT truly live Holy Cross’s mission, becoming ALIADOS / ALLIES, “men and women for and with others.”