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Identity & Power: A History of Latinx Storytelling in American Theater


Photo Credit: Sara Krulwich

Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15th through October 15th!


Representing and uplifting our community is a key pillar of our work at Broadway West, and this month we are excited to highlight the history and achievements of the LatinX community, who make up 47% of the population in greater Los Angeles (Census, 2020). Join us as we learn about a journey paved with the fight for representation, justice and explorations of identity through the art of theater.


IDENTITY IN CONTEXT



Hispanic representation in American theater has a long and complex history, dating back to the early days of the American stage. Early portrayals of Hispanic characters were often limited and stereotypical, including depictions as “exotic others”, possessing exaggerated traits such as fiery temperaments, passionate love affairs, or exotic dance moves. There were also the gangster, villain and sidekick tropes, where Hispanic characters were often cast, reinforcing negative stereotypes and limiting their agency. One prime, mainstream example is "West Side Story"- while groundbreaking in some respects, the show reinforced stereotypes of Puerto Ricans as gang members and violent individuals.


By the 19th century, the arrival of Spanish-language touring theater companies in America, performing plays and operettas, as well as the formation of local theater companies provided platforms to more authentically showcase Hispanic stories and to take back the narrative.


VOICES OF THE PEOPLE


Luis Valdez performing with Teatero Campesino; Photo Credit: ETC

The Chicano theater movement of the 1960s and 70s further challenged traditional stereotypes, offering a more nuanced portrayal of Hispanic culture. Theater became an empowering tool to address social and political issues, placing an emphasis on cultural pride and a spotlight on identity.


Key figures and events:

Luis Valdez; Photo Credit: Teatro Campesino

  • El Teatro Campesino: Founded by Luis Valdez in 1965, this theater company was instrumental in the Chicano theater movement. Initially focused on supporting farmworkers, El Teatro Campesino used theater as a tool for social and political activism. They performed “actos”- short, improvised skits that addressed issues like labor rights, immigration, and identity.

  • Luis Valdez: A prolific playwright and director, Valdez is considered one of the founding fathers of Chicano theater. His plays, such as "Zoot Suit" and "The Shrunken Head of Pancho Villa," explored the experiences of Mexican Americans and challenged prevailing stereotypes.

  • The Chicano Moratorium: A peaceful protest against the Vietnam War that took place in East Los Angeles in 1970. The event was a turning point for the Chicano Movement and highlighted the political activism of Chicano theater artists.

  • The founding of Teatro Aztlán: This theater company, based in Los Angeles, was established in 1970 and became a significant force in Chicano theater. Teatro Aztlán produced a wide range of plays that explored the experiences of Mexican Americans.


Cherríe Moraga; Photo Credit: NYPL
  • Feminist Chicano Theater: In the 1970s and 80s, a number of Chicana

playwrights began to emerge, creating works that addressed issues of gender, sexuality, and race. Their plays helped to expand the scope of Chicano theater and challenged traditional gender roles. Playwrights like Cherríe Moraga and Gloria Anzaldúa made significant contributions to this genre


Of course, Chicano theater (focusing mainly on Mexican American storytelling) is only part of the boiling pot that makes up Hispanic culture. The influx of Central American immigration to the United States for example, also brought along with it a wealth of stories and perspectives that have been incorporated into American theater. Notable creatives include playwrights like Claudia Calderón, José Zayas, and Óscar Lizarraga, who have made significant contributions to Central American theater in the United States.


IN THE MAINSTREAM TODAY


LatinX representation and storytelling in theater has seen a significant surge in recent years. Mainstream shows like In the Heights have paved the way for more diverse narratives on Broadway, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of LatinX communities. This momentum has even extended beyond theater, with LatinX theater artists collaborating on successful films like “Coco” and “Encanto”. These collaborations have not only brought LatinX stories to a wider audience but have also empowered LatinX artists and contributed to a more inclusive cultural landscape. But don’t just take our word for it- check out our latest Spotify playlist, “Broadway West Celebrates: Hispanic Heritage Month”, which includes tunes from beloved Latinx shows as well as powerful performances by LatinX artists in mainstream productions. Listen now on our Spotify channel!


Top Left to Right: Lin Manuel Miranda, Ariana Debose; Bottom Left to Right: Raul Esparza, Lindsay Mendez

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