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First Play in the United States
The first play known to have been staged in what is now the United States was performed by Spanish soldiers near El Paso in 1598 (Brockett 239) -
Period: to
1598-Current Day
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Popularization of Latin Theatre
Latin Theatre found popularity in the United States in the late 19th century, beginning in California and spreading to Texas (Brockett 239). -
Beginning of Latin-Based Theatre
Beginning in 1918, Los Angeles had 5 Spanish-speaking theatres until the depression beginning in the 1930s forced them to shut down (Brockett 239). -
Maria Irene Fornes is Born
Maria Irene Fornes, another one of the most influential Latin American playwrights, is born in Cuba on May 14, 1930. Her works include Fefu and Her Friends (1977) and The Conduct of Live (1985). She did not get the type of popularity Valdez did, however, she went on to win six Obie awards (Brockett 240.) -
Luis Valdez is born
Luis Valdez, who would go on to be one of the most influential persons in Latin Theatre, is born in 1940 (Brockett 240). -
El Teatro Campesino is Founded
Luis Valdez founds El Teatro Campesino, a bilingual Chicano theatre company, in 1965 (Brockett 240). -
Los Vendidos (The Sellouts) Releases
Luis Valdez releases Los Vendidos (Spanish for "The Sellouts") under his theatre company in 1967. It is a one-act play that examines stereotypes of Latino Americans in California in the 1950s. First performed at Elysian Park, Los Angeles. This is the first play Valdez would put out which paved the way for many more afterward (Brockett 240). -
Zoot Suit Releases
Valdez's most famous work, Zoot Suit, releases in 1978. It was the first Latin American play to be picked up on Broadway, telling the story of injustice against Latin Americans during WWII. This play got so much traction it was turned into a movie in 1981 with Valdez behind the camera directing (NY Times). -
Anna in the Tropics Wins Pulitzer
Nilo Cruz's (1960-) 2002 play Anna in the Tropics wins the Pulitzer Prize for drama in 2003. He attributes this win and his inspiration to Maria Irene Fornes for inspiring him to follow his dreams of being a playwright despite his language barrier. This was the first time a Latin play had received a Pulitzer and the second time a play set in New York won (Brockett 240). -
Tabula Rasa Theatre Opens
One of the only exclusively Latin American theatres in the U.S., centered in New York, the Tabula Rasa Theatre opened in 2018. It originated within the Spanish-speaking communities in New York and features an ensemble of both professional and amateur actors to bring Latin American culture and theatre to New York (Tabula Rasa Theatre).