Tickets are now on sale at destinosfest.org for Destinos, 6th Chicago International Latino Theater Festival, Chicago’s annual citywide festival showcasing Latino theater artists and companies from Chicago, the U.S. and Latin America, September 28-November 12, 2023.
Each fall, Destinos is a cultural high point of Chicago’s Latino Heritage Month, showcasing Latino theater artists and companies from Chicago, the U.S. and Latin America. The festival is produced by the Chicago Latino Theater Alliance (CLATA), and presented annually to drive Chicago’s vibrant Latino theater scene to a more prominent level locally, nationally and internationally.
This year, the Destinos 2023 line-up includes 17 productions all new to Chicago debuting at theaters large and small throughout the city this fall, including four world premieres, one North American premiere, three U.S. premieres and five Midwest premieres.
“This year's Destinos offers un poquito de todo for everyone! We cannot wait to celebrate the beauty and diversity of our Latinidad through the many theater productions we'll see playing all over the city this fall. Being able to bring international and national productions to Chicago is exciting. But shining a spotlight on local Latine theater gems is an honor. Chicago’s Latine theater companies, after all, are the heart of Destinos,” said CLATA Executive Director Jorge Valdivia.
Destinos performances, whether solo shows or large scale productions, do sell out, so Chicagoans and visitors alike are encouraged to get their tickets now to experience a diverse slate of shows playing on Chicago’s top stages throughout the fall.
Visit destinosfest.org for tickets and information. For first notice of festival events, follow Destinos on Facebook, Instagram and Threads at @latinotheater, and sign up for CLATA’s weekly e-newsletter.
Destinos, 6th Chicago International Latino Theater Festival will present (top) Prieto featuring Yosimar Reyes at Chicago Shakespeare, (middle, from left) Yo No Estoy Loca starring Colombian star Marce Valencia at The Den, Taxilandia-Stage Experience, a Midwest premiere by New York’s Modesto Flako Jimenez, (bottom) Conchi León’s La Tia Mariela, from Mexico, at the National Museum of Mexican Art and Armonía, a love triangle drama from Puerto Rico Theatre Lab at The Den.
The 2023 Destinos Festival is bringing three exciting international productions from Mexico, Puerto Rico and Colombia to Chicago:
La Tía Mariela, written and directed by acclaimed Mexican theater artist Conchi León, is a deep and introspective play about the feminine universe brimming with magical realism, the richness of oral tradition, embroidery, and the dynamism and visual impact of regional music and dance of the Yucatán Peninsula. This production from Mexican theater group Sa’as Tun is co-presented by CLATA and the National Museum of Mexican Art for two shows only: October 3-4. Opens Tuesday, October 3 at 7:30 p.m.
The North American premiere of Puerto Rico Theatre Lab’s Armonía, written by Ricardo André Lugo, directed by Edgardo Soto. This is a story of a passionate love triangle that entangles Vincent, and his ex-partners, Daniel and Lucía. One weekend only: October 19-22 at The Den Theatre in Wicker Park. Opens Thursday, October 19 at 8 p.m.
Yo No Estoy Loca via Teatro Petra in Colombia, a U.S. premiere written and directed by Fabio Rubiano, featuring theater, television and film actor Marce Valencia. Rubiano and Valencia are co-founders of Teatro Petra, one the most prestigious theater companies in Colombia. Performances are October 26-28 at The Den Theatre in Wicker Park. Opens Thursday, October 26 at 8 p.m.
U.S. productions, traveling from out-of-town for their Chicago debuts, include:
Taxilandia-Stage Experience, a Midwest premiere written, directed and performed by Modesto Flako Jimenez, presented by ¡Oye! Group, New York City. This one-man show, developed in Jimenez’s neighborhood, Bushwick, Brooklyn, was drawn from his nine years driving a taxi, documenting conversations with passengers, locals and immigrants to his neighborhood. Taxilandia runs October 12-14 at The Den Theatre. Opens Thursday October 12 at 8 p.m.
Acclaimed California-based artist and poet Yosimar Reyes takes audiences on a journey into his experience growing up queer in the ‘hood of East San Jose in his one-man show, Prieto. This Midwest premiere from Living Word Project in San Jose is co-presented by CLATA and Chicago Shakespeare Theater one weekend only, October 20-22. Opens Friday, October 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Chicago Latino companies, artists and shows participating in the 6th Destinos Festival are:
Destinos Spotlight Weekend kicks off this year’s festival September 28-October 1 at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theater with four nights of Chicago Latine theater artists performing four different genres: comedia, improv, musica and teatro fisico. The weekend kicks off with Vanessa Garcia’s sketch comedy revue La Carne Asada 2 - The Seasoning, Thursday, September 28 at 8 p.m.; a comedy improv night with Ratas de Dos Patas Friday, September 29 at 8 p.m.; Cabaret Parodia’s Que Dramáticas: A Telenovela & Musical Revue, Saturday, September 30 at 8 p.m.; and an all-Latine Scratch Night with Physical Theater Festival Chicago, Sunday, October 1 at 7 p.m.
A witch wants to get rid of all numbers, but discovers math is a beautiful subject in El Baile De Los Números, a world premiere production for families by Tomás Urtusastegui, directed by Karla Galván. Presented September 30-October 8 by Teatro Tariakuri in Marquette Park, featuring the company’s Los Chilpayates Youth Ensemble. Opens Saturday, September 30 at 3 p.m.
Peter Malmö, a world premiere “ScandiMexican tragedy” by Raúl Dorantes and Mark Litwick, in a co-production from Colectivo El Pozo and Akvavit Theatre. This new play, inspired by Juan Rulfo’s classic novel "Pedro Páramo” and reset in wintery Wisconsin, runs October 5-29 at Raven Theatre in Edgewater. Opens Friday, October 6 at 7:30 p.m.
The American Dream, a world premiere by Juan Ramirez Jr., about a Guatemalan immigrant held captive by her human coyote, presented by Subtext Studio Theatre at Madison Street Theater in Oak Park. Omar Vicente Fernandez, formerly with 16th Street Theatre, directs. Performances are October 5-29. Opens Saturday, October 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Goodman Theatre, the Chicago Latino Theater Alliance (CLATA) and the National Museum of Mexican Art present Prism Movement Theatre (Dallas)’s LUCHA TEOTL. Pro wrestling bursts onto the stage in this high-octane, immersive, 90-minute thrill ride, written and directed by Christopher Llewyn Ramirez and Jeff Colangelo. Audiences will sit ringside as actors and luchadores in masks representing Aztec gods play out an exciting wrestling story about family, honor, tradition and redemption. This Midwest premiere runs September 29-October 29. Opens Monday, October 9 at 7 p.m.
Teatro Tariakuri in Marquette Park presents the world premiere of Lotería: Dichos, Proverbios y Albures, written by Tomás Urtusastegui, co-directed by Karla Galván and Esteban Pantoja. Lotería re-imagines the game of Mexican lottery, using traditional expressions and proverbs instead of the usual iconic images. Performances are October 14-November 11. Opens Saturday, October 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Lace up your gloves for Visión Latino Theater’s That Must Be The Entrance To Heaven, Franky D. Gonzalez’s play about four Latino prize fighters chasing their dreams of a world boxing title. Xavier M. Custodio directs this Midwest premiere, a poetic collision of combat and cosmos, October 14-November 5 at UrbanTheater Company in Humboldt Park. Opens Wednesday, October 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Repertorio Latino Theater presents the world premiere of La Jom Atenda by Dio-genes Abreu, about the deep human relationship developed between a home attendant and her aging client. Performances are October 19-November 5 at Chess Live in Bridgeport. Opens Saturday, October 21 at 8 p.m.
Aguijón Theatre, Chicago’s oldest Latino theater, presents La P*nche India, Mexican playwright Mario Cantú Toscano’s play about a blond, green-eyed upper-class girl who wakes up one day and turns into an indigenous woman. Performances are November 9-12 at the National Museum of Mexican Art. Opens Thursday, November 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Your itinerary for the 6th Destinos Festival (at press time, chronological order):
Opening September 25-October 1
Destinos Spotlight Weekend
- Co-presented by CLATA and Steppenwolf's Look Out Series
- At Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theater, 1700 N. Halsted St. in Lincoln Park
- September 28-October 1
- Performed in English and Spanish
- All shows approximately 70 minutes
- Tickets: $25-$35
This year’s festival kicks off with Destinos Spotlight Weekend, four fun-filled nights of Chicago Latine artists performing four different genres: comedia, improv, música and teatro físico:
La Carne Asada 2 - The Seasoning
- Presented by Vanessa Garcia Productions
- Thursday, September 28 at 8 p.m.
- Ages 18+
Stop by your tia Vanessa's carne asada filled with tortas, Spanish and punch lines. Everyone will be there: Your abuelita, your tio Pancho, el cutie de tu gym and el paletero. Osea, you'd be crazy if you weren't there amigis.
Ratas Gigantes!
- Presented by Ratas de Dos Patas
- Friday, September 29 at 8 p.m.
- Ages 18+
Taking inspiration from the long running Latine TV show Sabado Gigante which was a mix of games, contests, and musical entertainment, Ratas de Dos Patas reimagines this classic show and turns it upside down by making it intersectional, feminist, and queer. Ratas Gigante! is filled with sketch, improv, audience participation, and, of course, amazing commercials all seen live. Ratas will take the audience on an incredible Gigante experience packed with laughter and nostalgic joy.
Ratas de Dos Patas are a Chicago based award winning all Latine sketch comedy and improv collective that brings audiences comedy, cultura, y corazón to elevate la comunidad.
Que Dramáticas: A Telenovela & Musical Revue
- Presented by Cabaret Parodia
- Saturday, September 30 at 8 p.m.
- Ages 18+
A comedic musical drag parody presenting stories linked to popular telenovelas with multiple acts full of music and loads of drama. Founded in 2015 by Esteban Pantoja, Cabaret Parodia was born to expand Spanish speaking theater to the LGBTQIA+ community. Integrating top-notch Chicago Latine Drag, they present comedic musical parodies based on everyday stories.
Scratch Night with Physical Theater Festival Chicago
- Sunday, October 1 at 7 p.m.
This all-Latine Scratch Night, curated by Alice da Cunha and Raquel Torre, highlights original, contemporary, visual and physical theatre by different Chicago Latine artists. Works include Divide & Conquer...Worker Bee's Unite! by WorkersTEATRO (Jasmin Cardenas, Isaura Martinez, Hermelinda Pruseño, Angelica Amaro and others), The Audition/La Audición by Changosnakedog and Friends (Otto Anzures Dadda), Family Violence by Angel Khaytyan, Demons at the Bay by Daughter Boy (Camilla Frontain and Felipe Carrasco), The Break-up: Brainworms by Chio's Puppetry, created by Rocio "Chio" Cabrera and Owen O’Leary, and A Window with No Home by Isabella Diaz.
El Baile De Los Números
- World Premiere
- By Tomás Urtusastegui, directed by Karla Galván
- Presented by Teatro Tariakuri, 3117 W. 63rd St. in Marquette Park
- September 30-October 8
- Opens Saturday, September 30 at 3 p.m.
- Runs through October 8: Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m.
- Presented in Spanish with English subtitles
- 60 minutes
- All ages
- Tickets: $25
A witch wants to get rid of all numbers, but has a change of heart when she learns that math is a beautiful subject in El Baile de los Números, a new production for family audiences featuring Teatro Tariakuri’s Los Chilpayates Youth Ensemble.
Teatro Tariakuri dance and theatre performing arts (TTPA) is a non-profit community arts organization established in Chicago in 2004 to offer children and adults from Chicago’s Marquette Park and surrounding communities affordable access to performing arts classes and professional artistic training opportunities. teatrotariakuri.org
Opening October 2-8
Mexican theater artist Conchi León (left) is the writer and director of La Tia Mariela
La Tía Mariela
- U.S. Premiere
- Presented by Sa’as Tun, Mérida, Yucátan, Mexico
- Directed and Written by Conchi León
- Featuring Montserrat Marañon, Maria Penella and Conchi León
- Co-presented by CLATA and the National Museum of Mexican Art,
- 1852 W. 19th St. in Pilsen
- One weekend only: October 3-5
- Opens Tuesday, October 3 at 7:30 p.m.
- Shows Wednesday, October 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Thursday, October 5 at 10 a.m. (student matinee)
- Presented in Spanish with English subtitles
- 80 minutes
- Ages 15+
- Tickets: $25-$30
After not seeing each other for a while, three cousins are brought together by a phone call with terrible news: Tía Mariela has passed away. This play combines magical realism, the richness of oral tradition, embroidery and the dynamism and visual impact of regional music and dance of the Yucatán Peninsula. A dynamic production by Mexico's legendary Conchi León, La Tía Mariela is an explosive black comedy that is, simultaneously, a deep and introspective play about the feminine universe.
Press play to screen and download a video trailer of the original production of La Tia Mariela.
Peter Malmö
Peter Malmö
- World Premiere
- By Raúl Dorantes and Mark Litwicki, directed by Chad Eric Bergman
- Co-presented by Colectivo El Pozo and Akvavit Theatre
- At Raven Theatre Chicago, 6157 N. Clark St. in Uptown
- October 5-October 29
- Preview Thursday, October 5 at 7:30 p.m.
- Opens Friday, October 6 at 7:30 p.m.
- Runs through October 29: Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m.
- Presented in English with Spanish subtitles
- 90 minutes
- Ages 15+
- Tickets: $20-$30
The reimagined story of Peter Malmö takes place in a small rundown town in rural Wisconsin, where Johnny arrives looking for his father. Johnny learns of his family’s and the town’s past, as he runs into former and new residents alike. Strap in for this “ScandiMexican tragedy,” a reinterpretation of Mexican writer Juan Rulfo’s otherwordly novel "Pedro Páramo,” that brings new light to Rolfo’s themes of death, desolation and rebirth.
Peter Malmö is presented in association with Colective el Pozo and Akvavit Theatre. Since its inception in 2009, Colectivo El Pozo has expanded theatrical opportunities for Chicago artists interested in developing Spanish- language theater within the broader scope of immigration. facebook.com/ColectivoElPozo. Akvavit Theatre is a Chicago company with a focus on Nordic and Scandinavian works.
The American Dream
The American Dream
- World Premiere
- By Juan Ramirez, Jr., directed by Omar Vicente Fernandez
- Presented by Subtext Studio Theatre Company
- At Madison Street Theater, 1010 Madison St. in Oak Park
- October 5-29
- Previews: Thursday and Friday, October 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m.
- Press Opening: Saturday, October 7 at 7:30 p.m.
- Through October 29: Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Presented in English with Spanish subtitles
- Runs approximately 75 minutes
- Ages 15+
- Tickets: $22-$30
Corina is a Guatemalan immigrant who has smuggled her way across the border guided by her coyote Efren. Instead of finding freedom, she finds herself imprisoned by her human smuggler, who now holds her inside a safe house, awaiting final payment from her husband. Set in the last hour and twenty minutes, Corina begs for her freedom. But letting her go is against everything Efren stands for.
American Dream is written by Juan Ramirez, Jr. It was selected for the New American Voices Play Reading Series at The Landing Theatre in Houston, was part of the inaugural Broadway Bound Theatre Festival at the 14th Street Y, and was a semifinalist for Stage Left Theatre’s 2016 Downstage Left residency.
This world premiere is directed by Omar Vicente Fernandez, a Mexican American theater artist, born in Berwyn, a former staff member at 16th Street Theatre, and co-founder of Subtext Studio. In 2022, he joined forces with Dragonfly Theatre Company’s Jean Gottlieb to create Subtext Studio Theatre Company. subtextstudiotc.org
Opening October 9-15
Goodman Theatre, the Chicago Latino Theater Alliance (CLATA) and the National Museum of Mexican Art present Prism Movement Theatre (Dallas)’s LUCHA TEOTL
LUCHA TEOTL
- Midwest Premiere
- Written and directed by Christopher Llewyn Ramirez and Jeff Colangelo
- At Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn in downtown Chicago
- September 29-October 29
- September 29-October 1: Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- October 4-8: Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Opens Monday, October 9 at 7 p.m.
- October 11- 22: Wednesday through Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- October 24-29: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 7:30 p.m., Thursday and Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m.
- Presented in English with some Spanish
- Runs 90 minutes
- Tickets: $25-$90
Pro wrestling bursts onto the stage in this high-octane, immersive, 90-minute thrill ride, written and directed by Christopher Llewyn Ramirez and Jeff Colangelo. Audiences will sit ringside as actors and luchadores in masks representing Aztec gods play out an exciting wrestling story about family, honor, tradition and redemption.
Modesto Flako Jimenez
Taxilandia-Stage Experience
- Midwest Premiere
- Written, directed and performed by Modesto Flako Jimenez
- Presented by ¡Oye! Group, New York City
- At The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Wicker Park
- One weekend only: October 12-15
- In-School Salon Thursday, October 12 at 10 a.m.
- Opens Thursday, October 12 at 8 p.m.
- Runs Friday, October 13 at 10:30 a.m. (student matinee TBA) and 8 p.m., Saturday, October 14 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, October 15 at 3 p.m.
- Presented in English
- Runs 75 minutes
- Ages 15+
- Tickets: $25-$30
Taxilandia, created by Dominican-born Modesto Flako Jimenez, immerses its audience in the flavors, sounds, sights, and dynamic history of a neighborhood confronting social stigmas and the realities of gentrification. Originally developed in Jimenez’s own neighborhood of Bushwick, Brooklyn, the piece was inspired and drawn from his nine years driving a taxicab and his documentation of conversations with passengers, residents, locals, and immigrants to the neighborhood.
Weaving a dramatic, performative ‘tapestry’ that interconnects generations, social classes, races, and cultures, Taxilandia complicates our notion of what it means to be a local, an immigrant, or a resident of a place, challenging us to answer: “What is my personal roadmap of home?”
Lotería: Dichos, Proverbios y Albures
- World premiere
- Written by Tomás Urtusastegui, co-directed by Karla Galvan and Esteban Pantoja
- Presented by Teatro Tariakuri, 3117 W. 63rd St. in Marquette Park
- October 14-November 11
- Opens Saturday, October 14 at 7:30 p.m.
- Runs through October 29: Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 6 p.m.
- Presented in Spanish with English subtitles
- Runs 60 minutes
- Ages 18+
- Tickets: $30
We’ve all seen the oversized game cards and colorful, iconic images of the traditional Mexican game, Lotería. Now Teatro Tariakuri brings the excitement of the game to the live stage in this hilarious new interactive comedy. But instead of figures like a ladder, policeman or death, Lotería is played using traditional Mexican proverbs.
Teatro Tariakuri dance and theatre performing arts (TTPA) is a non-profit community arts organization with a storefront space, robust education program, and beautiful new sign illuminating a busy stretch of 63rd Street in Marquette Park. teatrotariakuri.org
Opening October 16-22
That Must Be The Entrance To Heaven
That Must Be The Entrance To Heaven
- Midwest Premiere
- By Franky D. Gonzalez, directed by Xavier M. Custodio
- Presented by Visión Latino Theater Company, Chicago
- At UrbanTheater Company, 2620 W. Division St. in Humboldt Park
- October 14-November 5
- Previews Saturday, October 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 15 at 3 p.m.
- Opens Wednesday, October 18 at 7:30 p.m.
- Runs through November 5: Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 3 p.m.
- Ages 15+
- Runs 90 minutes
- Presented in English
- Tickets: $25-$55
Glory. Survival. Legacy. Citizenship. Four Latino boxers all chase a world title to achieve their personal versions of heaven. But to get there, they must battle each other, their own battered bodies, and the universe itself. All four men walk the line between life and death in this poignant, poetic collision of combat and cosmos.
Visión Latino’s is only the second production of That Must Be the Entrance to Heaven. It premiered at Urbanite Theater in Sarasota this summer, where it was hailed “an excellent debut” with “beautiful characters and gorgeous dialog” (Bradenton Times).
Playwright Franky D. Gonzalez is the recipient of numerous awards and was a staff writer for 13 Reasons Why. His work has appeared at Urbanite Theatre, The Lark, the Sundance Institute, the Ojai Playwrights Conference, the Latinx Playwrights Circle, the Great Plains Theatre Conference, the Goodman Theatre (Live @ Five Series), The New Harmony Project, Repertorio Español, LAByrinth Theater Company, Ars Nova (ANT Fest 2021), Dallas Theater Center, Austin Latinx New Play Festival, among others.
Vísión Latino Theater’s Artistic Director Xavier M. Custodio directs. His credits include Sancocho, Vísión Latino’s breakout hit at last year’s Destinos Festival. visionlatino.com
(from left) Solimar Arzola López, Pedro Juan Colón Aponte and Anthony Rivera in Armonía.
Armonía
- North American Premiere
- Written by Ricardo André Lugo, directed by Edgardo Soto
- Featuring Pedro Juan Colón Aponte, Solimar Arzola López, Anthony Rivera
- Presented by Puerto Rico Theatre Lab, Puerto Rico
- At The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Wicker Park
- One weekend only: October 19-22
- Opens Thursday October 19 at 8 p.m.
- Runs Friday October 20 at 8 p.m., Saturday October 21 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, October 22 at 3 p.m.
- Presented in Spanish with English subtitles
- Runs 90 minutes
- Ages 18+
- Tickets: $25-$30
Vincent finds himself with both of his ex-partners, Daniel and Lucía, in couples therapy. He’s brought them both to let them know that he doesn’t want to be without one or the other, and instead proposes the three of them should be in a relationship as a throuple. Through memories, confessions, and heated arguments they try to find a solution to this passionate yet hilariously unconventional love triangle.
Armonía was part of the official selection of Festival de Teatro Puertorriqueño 2023 produced by the Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña.pr-theatre-lab.ueniweb.com
Yosimar Reyes in Prieto
Prieto
- Midwest Premiere
- Written by and starring Yosimar Reyes, co-directed by Kat Evasco and Sean San José
- By Living Word Project, San Francisco, CA
- Co-presented by Chicago Shakespeare Theater and the Chicago Latino Theater Alliance
- in the theater Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare, 800 E. Grand Ave. on Navy Pier
- One weekend only: October 20-22
- Opens Friday, October 20 at 7:30 p.m.
- Runs Saturday, October 21 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, October 22 at 2 p.m.
- Presented in English with moments in Spanish
- Runs 70 minutes
- Ages 15+
- Tickets: $35-$40
Chicago Shakespeare and the Chicago Latino Theater Alliance (CLATA) co-present Prieto, an autobiographical coming-of-age story written and performed by Yosimar Reyes. In this defiant and joyful celebration of self-discovery, Reyes gives a playful performance as his younger self, taking audiences on a journey through his childhood growing up queer with an overprotective grandmother in East San Jose. Against a backdrop of poverty and politics, Reyes comes to understand the complex intersection of his queerness and identity as an undocumented American, navigating topics typically entrenched in struggle with levity.
Born in Guerrero, Mexico, and raised in Eastside San Jose, Reyes explores the themes of migration and sexuality in his work. The Advocate named Reyes one of "13 LGBT Latinos Changing the World" and Remezcla included Reyes on their list of "10 Up and Coming Latinx Poets You Need To Know." His show Prieto premiered at San Francisco’s Brava Theater in October 2022 and is now on tour with The Living Word Project.
La Jom Atenda
La Jom Atenda
- Midwest Premiere
- Written by Dio-genes Abreu, directed by Joaquin Catana
- Presented by Repertorio Latino Theater, Chicago
- At Chess Live, 3622 S. Morgan St. in Bridgeport
- October 19-November 5
- Previews Thursday and Friday, October 19 and 20 at 8 p.m
- Opens Saturday, October 21 at 8 p.m
- Runs through November 5: Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 6 p.m.
- Presented in Spanish with English subtitles
- Ages 18+
- Runs 60 minutes
- Tickets: $25
La Jom Atenda narrates the close professional and human relationship developed between a home attendant and Don Tuto, her aging client. Don Tuto is a widowed, retired man. A deep human relationship and emotional interdependence has developed between them that will allow them to share moments of joy and sadness.
La Jom Atenda is written by Dio-genes Abreu and directed by Joaquin Catana. Repertorio Latino Theater was founded in 1998 by a group of actors committed to elevating Spanish language theater in Chicago. repertoriolatino.org
Opening October 23-29
Marce Valencia in Yo No Estoy Loca
Yo No Estoy Loca
- U.S. Premiere
- Presented by Teatro Petra, Colombia
- Written and directed by Fabio Rubiano, featuring Marce Valencia
- At The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Wicker Park
- One weekend only: October 26-28
- Opens Thursday, October 26 at 8 p.m.
- Runs Friday and Saturday, October 27 and 28 at 8 p.m.
- Presented in Spanish with English subtitles
- Runs 80 minutes
- Ages 18+
- Tickets: $25-$30
Colombian star of stage and screen Marce Valencia stars in this story of a woman who lives outside the norm within a society where the norm means to let things go, keep quiet, and deal with it. While her stories seem like fiction, they are all based on real life. Everything you are about to see…happened!
Yo No Estoy Loca is written by Fabio Rubiano, who co-founded Teatro Pena in Bogotá with Marce Valencia. teatropetra.com
Opening November 6-9
La P*nche India
La P*nche India
- U.S. Premiere
- Presented by Aguijón Theater
- at the National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St. in Pilsen
- Written by Mario Cantú Toscano, directed by Sándor Menéndez
- Featuring Iris Garcia, Carlos Garcia, Oswaldo Calderón, Stefanie Jara, Tania Ramirez and Diego Salinas
- November 9-12: four shows only
- Opens Thursday, November 9 at 7:30 p.m.
- Runs Friday and Saturday, November 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, November 12 at 3 p.m.
- Runs 85 minutes
- Ages 16+
- Tickets: $20-$35
- Free on Sunday, November 12 at 3 p.m. thanks to the National Museum of Mexican Art
La P*nche India tells the story of Gigi, an upper-class girl who one day wakes up and turns into an indigenous woman. Given her new appearance, her life changes completely and she begins to realize all the privileges she had as a green-eyed blonde. Her search for a new identity leads her to discover a great secret that had always been there: racial discrimination.
Aguijón Theater Company, Chicago’s oldest professional Latino theater, is dedicated to creating exciting and meaningful theatrical experiences through the cultural exploration, discussion, and performance of high-quality productions in Spanish. Founded in 1989 by actress/director Rosario Vargas, Aguijón Theater is celebrating its 34th year of artistic excellence and cultural impact. aguijontheater.org
Good news update: After a successful North American premiere last fall as part of CLATA’s 5th Destinos, Chicago International Latino Theater Festival, Aguijón Theater’s production of Cintas de Seda will participate in the XI Festival Internacional de Teatro, Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, October 28-29, 2023.
This cross-cultural exchange is a co-presentation between CLATA, the National Museum of Mexican Art and the Oficina de Cultura Dominicana en el Exterior.
About the Chicago Latino Theater Alliance (CLATA)
The Chicago Latino Theater Alliance (CLATA) is a leading advocate organization for Latine theater in Chicago. Supporting the development of emerging and established Latine playwrights, actors, directors and theater professionals is central to its mission. CLATA’s goal is to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive theater community, by presenting and producing Latine theater that celebrates and promotes the richness and diversity of our Latinidad. CLATA believes together we can build a stronger and more sustainable Latine theater industry.
CLATA has three signature programs: 1) Destinos, Chicago International Latino Theater Festival, an annual, citywide festival showcasing Chicago's Latine theater artists and companies alongside top Latine artists from the U.S. and Latin America, 2) Destinos Al Aire, a free outdoor family festival that brings performing arts to Chicago Latine communities with the goal of making the arts accessible to everyone, and 3) Inicios: Chicago Latine Playwright Festival, an annual festival dedicated to elevating and promoting Chicagoland area Latine playwrights.
CLATA was co-founded in 2016 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization by the late Myrna Salazar and Chicago’s three most prominent Latine arts organizations: the National Museum of Mexican Art (NMMA), the International Latino Cultural Center (ILCC), and the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance (PRAA). Jorge Valdivia, formerly Director of Performing Arts at the National Museum of Mexican Art, was appointed CLATA’s Executive Director in November 2022.
CLATA is supported by the Ford Foundation, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Joyce Foundation, Arts Work Fund, Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, Driehaus Foundation, Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelly Foundation, Excellerator Fund, Shubert Foundation, NALAC, CityArts grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Illinois Arts Council Agency, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Arts Alliance IL. Destinos is supported by Illinois Travel & Tourism Grant Program, Allstate, National Endowment for the Arts, ComEd, National Museum of Mexican Art, Choose Chicago, Wintrust and Casa Humilde Cerveceria.
For more information, visit clata.org, or follow CLATA on Facebook, Instagram and Threads at @latinotheater.