San Marcos, CA – California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) Visual and Performing Arts welcomes internationally-renowned activist, playwright, and ‘father of Chicano theatre’ Luis Valdez for a six-night production of Actos, beginning nightly at 7 p.m. on November 11-13 and 17-19 in Arts 111.
Intertwining humor, satire, and poignant drama to address the struggles of farmworkers, Actos features three of Valdez’s short plays: Las dos Caras del Patroncito, The Militants, and Los Vendidos. The collection of satirical performances deals with the abuse that Mexican-Americans have suffered as farmworkers and the psychological trauma resulting from a legacy of colonization and the resulting struggles with identity.
“Given the mounting anti-immigrant propaganda now being felt by many of Hispanic descent, this is a great time to bring theatre of consciousness to the public,” said Marcos Martinez, professor of Visual & Performing Arts at CSUSM. “As the premier educational institution in North County, Cal State San Marcos is taking the lead in offering theatre that speaks to issues affecting our community and our region.”
Born in 1940, Valdez is the founder of the El Teatro Campesino in California and is revered to be the father of Chicano theater. In 1965, he joined César Chávez in his effort to educate and organize farmworkers into a viable union, where Valdez wrote and performed brief satirical sketches relevant to the civil rights struggles of migrants. Later termed as actos, these 10 to 15 minute sketches deliver powerful social or political messages and frequently infuse humor to attack the opposition. In 1971, Valdez published his book Actos, a collection of the best sketches written and acted by his troupe.
Actos will be performed in English with some bilingualism. Tickets are $10 for general admission, or $5 for students with ID. For more information or for advanced reservations, call (760) 750-4137.