The festival is curated by resident artistic associate Henry Godinez.
The festival includes Culture Clash's Culture Clash in AmeriCCa; Barcelona-based Marta Carrasco's J'arrive, a compilation of her works over the past ten years; Al Son Que Me Toques, Lorca, Laura Crotte's Mexican-musical adaptation of Federico Garcia Lorca's Blood Wedding; Taking Flight by Adriana Sevan; and De La Oreja Al Corazon, an imaginative puppet piece from Mexico City.
Chicago companies participating in the festival include Albany Park Theater Project, Teatro Luna, Teatro Vista and Aguijón Theater Company. Programs and dates will be announced.
New play readings, community events and panel discussions will augment the festival.
"This summer's Latino Theatre Festival unites old and new friends of the Goodman — and more than ever, we're offering programming that involves our younger audiences," stated curator Godinez, who most recently directed The Cook by Eduardo Machado at the Goodman. "For this fourth biennial celebration of Latino culture, we continue our commitment to showcasing some of the most extraordinary international and national companies, and we've expanded our inclusion of the finest local talent in creative and exciting new ways. I'm looking forward to sharing these rich and dynamic events with all of Chicago." The festival is "a key component in the theatre's effort to foster collaborations and presentations with international theatre companies — including and beyond the English speaking world."
Tickets go on sale May 29.
Here's the Goodman Theatre's 2008 Latino Theatre Fest at a glance:
Chicago Children's Theatre presents Esperanza Rising, based on the book by Pam Muñoz Ryan, adapted by Lynne Alvarez, directed by Henry Godinez, July 12-Aug. 10 in the Owen Theatre. "The daughter of a wealthy Mexican rancher who is forced to abandon a life of privilege during the Mexican Revolution — and flee into the dangers and challenges of a new migrant life in the United States. Appropriate for ages 8 and up."Al Son Que Me Toques, Lorca, written and performed by Laura Crotte, Aug. 8-10, in the Owen Theatre. "Laura Crotte's Mexican-musical adaptation of Federico Garcia Lorca's famous Spanish tragedy of forbidden lust and betrayal, Blood Wedding. A native of Veracruz, Mexico, Crotte has performed in Chicago at Goodman Theatre in Mariela in the Desert as well as at Steppenwolf, Chopin Theatre and the Mexican Fine Arts Center. She is an ensemble member of Teatro Vista."Culture Clash in AmeriCCa, written and performed by Culture Clash, Aug. 14–17, in the Albert Theatre. "The wildly popular satiric trio Culture Clash returns to the Goodman with their latest show, Culture Clash in AmeriCCa, a witty, moving, devastatingly funny collection of skits that tackle some of our society's toughest issues — from changing attitudes toward ethnicity after 9/11, gender roles and sexuality, illegal immigration and the question: what did Jesus really look like? Founded in 1984 by Richard Montoya, Ric Salinas and Herbert Siguenza, Culture Clash has become the most prominent Chicano/Latino performance troupe in the country, with work ranging from sketch comedy to the full length plays."Taking Flight by Adriana Sevan, Aug. 15–17, in the Owen Theatre. "Sevan's hilarious and heartbreaking autobiographical solo piece about the restorative power of forgiveness and redemption in the face of tragedy. With mesmerizing ease, Sevan transforms into an astounding range of characters, from Esperanza Middleschmerts (a bdguiling mix of Carmen Miranda and Dr. Phil) to a Jewish fashion maven from Long Island, a Haitian cab driver to a sexy 90-year old grandmother."De La Oreja Al Corazon Aug. 22-24 in the Albert Theatre. "A beautifully designed, touching and imaginative Spanish language puppet piece from Mexico City, De La Oreja Al Corazon follows a young orphan's dream of becoming a musical conductor."J'arrive, performed by Marta Carrasco, Aug. 21–24 in the Owen Theatre. "Barcelona's legendary dancer, choreographer and performance artist Marta Carrasco presents the most sensational pieces from the last ten years of her remarkable career in J'arrive, an exhilarating expression obsession and seduction." For more information visit www.goodmantheatre.org.
