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First Play in United States Territory
The very first play to be on American soil was actually acted out by Spanish soldiers. The play happened all the way back in 1598, taking place somewhere around today's El Paso. The play was written by Capt. Marcos Farfan de los Godos. It was said to be a drama about the conversation of Christianity of huge numbers of Native Americans. -
El Teatro Campesino
El Teatro Campesino was a bilingual Chicano company which was founded by Luis Valdez in 1965. This company opened up the gates for Latino Theatre all around the globe. During the beginnings of the company, all of the actors were also farmers. Also, many workers had to do several jobs at once. For example, one worker "was an actor, technical director, company manager, and tour coordinator (El Teatro Campesino)." The company even had to make all of their own plays and materials. -
Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre
Miriam Colon founded the Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre in 1967. The main goal of the theatre was to show the history of Latin America and Puerto Rico through drama. Colon came up with the idea so that families living in poverty see plays free of charge. The theater is still open in New York City. -
Repertorio Español
Repertorio Español was a theater opened in 1968, by Gilberto Zalvidar and Rene Bush, for the production of Spanish theatre. The theater located in the heart of New York City. Out of seventeen productions, only one is spoke in English (Repertorio Español). This theater is open to everyone, and is enjoyed by many Latin Americans. -
Zoot Suit
Luis Valdez wrote the play, "Zoot Suit," in 1978. The story was about real injustices that happened against Mexican Americans in World War II. It was also the very first Latino play to make its way to Broadway. It was so successful, in fact, that it was made into a film. "Zoot Suit" was one of the main reasons why Latino Theatre made its mark on the world. -
The Conduct of Life
Maria Irene Forne made the play, "The Conduct of Life," in 1985. The play was meant to draw parallels between political subjugation and the subjugation of women in Latin America. Forne's purposefully made the dialogue disturbing to show the cruel ways women were treated in their own households (Springer Link). -
Motorcycle Diaries
Che Guevara wrote "The Motorcycle Diaries" in 1995. The story is a memoir which was lived by Che himself and his friend, Alberto Granado. The two decide to take a trip through South America on their motorcycles. Through their travels, the discover the extreme injustices that occur in foreign owned companies (The Motorcycle Diaries). This book was successful enough to have its own film. -
Anna in the Tropics
Nilo Cruz wrote "Anna in the Tropics" in 2002. About a year later, in 2003, "Anna in the Tropics" won the Pulitzer Prize for drama. This made it only the second play ever to win a Pulitzer Prize before making its way to Broadway. The play written about workers at a cigar factory was also the first ever Latino playwright to win the award. -
Lydia
Octavio Solis wrote the play, "Lydia," in 2008. Solis does not stick to issues referring to Mexican Americans, but his messages do resonate in the Latin communities. "Lydia" was even a finalist for the best new play, originating outside of New York City. The story takes place in Solis' hometown of El Paso, Texas. The play follows the story of a family who is shattered after an accident (Brockett 242). "Lydia" ended up being very successful. -
Boleros for the Disenchanted
Jose Rivera wrote the Romantic Comedy, "Boleros for the Disenchanted," in 2012. Although the play is funny, it has serious problems. For example, "Boleros for the Disenchanted is a bittersweet and ultimately uplifting story about the everyday reality of marriage and the often undignified struggle to hold on to love in the face of life’s unexpected challenges (Theatre Goodman)."
