Summary: From the perspective of newspaper accounts and police reports, Rogelio Bautista died for a word, a color, a number, his death jotted down as just another statistic in our escalating gang war…but that’s not the perspective of the four narrators of the story “Our name is Rogelio Bautista.”
This was so sad to hear, because it felt like Rogelio was actually talking it gave me the chills and made my cry. I didn't know Rogelio as well as all of you, but I did get to talk with him a couple of times over the phone. He knew my best friend. He was a good kid, and it shocked me to hear about his death, from another friend. I know this must have been hard to do especially since you knew him very well, but I think it was a great idea. I just want to send some love out to all the people who knew Rogelio. much luv and respect
~Angelina~
This incredibly moving piece left me ready to cry, reminding me of how little time we truly have to make our lives worthwhile and meaningful. Captivating and thoughtful, the narration begins by painting a picture of Rogelio’s early life—including anecdotes to which any listener can identify—and discussing his increasing involvement in gang life. The daring narrative technique of representing Rogelio with five different voices creates an effect which, if less skillfully executed, could have appeared trite or confused the listener, but is ultimately very effective and moving. Through this unique use of narrative, the addition of relevant music (although the placement of the music does, at times, break the flow of the narration), and a very compelling and original script, the story successfully addresses the complexity of issues surrounding gangs and their role in individual members’ lives, as well as death and its effect on loved ones. This thoughtful narration merits inclusion in any show that deals with inner city problems or violence, particularly youth or gang violence. Rather than offering any answers, the piece leaves the listener struggling with the questions that arise over the course of the narrative.
This piece is terrific. I'd sit in my car to hear the end of it. Teachers will play it for their students in school.
The narration is precise and in some places poetic without being pretentious or unreal. The use of five different narrators who speak as Rogelio helps to push the story forward. Later, when Rogelio has died, the the five voices seem to speak for Rogelio's friends and family, and we understand more clearly the shattering and scattering after a death occurs.
Some of the writing has the impact of a punch. When, for example, the now-dead Rogelio wonders how he could have become a painted outline on a street "for moms to roll over with their baby strollers," you feel the enormous pain and waste of this death, and the waste seems all the more tragic because the youth who tell this story are clearly aware of how quickly the meaning of their lives can disappear.
However, the final song of the piece, a Dire Straits "Brothers in Arms" with its "every man has to die" lyrics, seemed a little too pat for this much more complex and thoughtful analysis of a death. That's the simple answer that this otherwise rich, complex, and real piece avoids in every other part.
Comments for Our Name is Rogelio Bautista
Produced by KRCB's Voice of Youth
Other pieces by KRCB Voice of Youth
Rating Summary
3 comments
Angelina H
Posted on May 04, 2006 at 07:58 AM | Permalink
Review of Our Name is Rogelio Bautista
This was so sad to hear, because it felt like Rogelio was actually talking it gave me the chills and made my cry. I didn't know Rogelio as well as all of you, but I did get to talk with him a couple of times over the phone. He knew my best friend. He was a good kid, and it shocked me to hear about his death, from another friend. I know this must have been hard to do especially since you knew him very well, but I think it was a great idea. I just want to send some love out to all the people who knew Rogelio. much luv and respect
~Angelina~
Eilis O'Neill
Posted on November 05, 2005 at 09:56 AM | Permalink
Review of Our Name is Rogelio Bautista
This incredibly moving piece left me ready to cry, reminding me of how little time we truly have to make our lives worthwhile and meaningful. Captivating and thoughtful, the narration begins by painting a picture of Rogelio’s early life—including anecdotes to which any listener can identify—and discussing his increasing involvement in gang life. The daring narrative technique of representing Rogelio with five different voices creates an effect which, if less skillfully executed, could have appeared trite or confused the listener, but is ultimately very effective and moving. Through this unique use of narrative, the addition of relevant music (although the placement of the music does, at times, break the flow of the narration), and a very compelling and original script, the story successfully addresses the complexity of issues surrounding gangs and their role in individual members’ lives, as well as death and its effect on loved ones. This thoughtful narration merits inclusion in any show that deals with inner city problems or violence, particularly youth or gang violence. Rather than offering any answers, the piece leaves the listener struggling with the questions that arise over the course of the narrative.
Sarah Levine
Posted on August 15, 2005 at 07:47 AM | Permalink
Review of Our Name is Rogelio Bautista
This piece is terrific. I'd sit in my car to hear the end of it. Teachers will play it for their students in school.
The narration is precise and in some places poetic without being pretentious or unreal. The use of five different narrators who speak as Rogelio helps to push the story forward. Later, when Rogelio has died, the the five voices seem to speak for Rogelio's friends and family, and we understand more clearly the shattering and scattering after a death occurs.
Some of the writing has the impact of a punch. When, for example, the now-dead Rogelio wonders how he could have become a painted outline on a street "for moms to roll over with their baby strollers," you feel the enormous pain and waste of this death, and the waste seems all the more tragic because the youth who tell this story are clearly aware of how quickly the meaning of their lives can disappear.
However, the final song of the piece, a Dire Straits "Brothers in Arms" with its "every man has to die" lyrics, seemed a little too pat for this much more complex and thoughtful analysis of a death. That's the simple answer that this otherwise rich, complex, and real piece avoids in every other part.