Goodman Theatre Announces Line-Up for 5th Biennial Latino Theatre Festival

Goodman Theatre announces the lineup for its 5th Latino Theatre Festival, a biennial event that has introduced more than 20,000 Chicagoans to prominent Latino theater companies around the globe. Goodman Resident Artistic Associate and Festival Curator Henry Godinez drew inspiration for this summer's lineup from two milestone events-the centennial of the Mexican Revolution and bicentennial of Mexico's independence. In addition, Teatro Buendía, one of Cuba's most celebrated independent theater companies, makes its U.S. debut.

Latino Fest begins with Karen Zacarías' The Sins of Sor Juana, directed by Godinez (June 19 - July 25, in the Albert Theatre), about the legendary Mexican poet Juana Inés de la Cruz. Next, Cuba's Teatro Buendía presents two plays-La Visita de la Vieja Dama (July 8 - 11) and Charenton (July 15 - 18)-in the Owen Theatre. The festival culminates in a weekend (July 23 - 25) of new works from the Lark Play Development Center's U.S./Mexican Playwright Exchange, helmed by Chicago artists. Also included are collaborations with Grant Park Music Festival (Memory of Fire, July 7), Millennium Park (the family-friendly Sarruga: Insects, July 16 - 18), and one-night-only presentations from Chicago's Latino theater companies-Teatro Vista (El Nogalar, July 17); Albany Park Theater Project (Feast, July 20); and Aguijón (Las Soldaderas, July 21). Two works from the Latino Music Festival will enjoy encore performances-The Leader, composed by Gustavo Leone and On "Sor Juana" by Elbio Barilari-together in one evening (July 22).

For tickets or more information, call 312.443.3800 or visit GoodmanTheatre.org. 

"Latino Theatre Fest is a dynamic component to our artistic programming at the Goodman," said Artistic Director Robert Falls. "Henry's success in bringing the best Latino theater to Chicago-and our audience's enthusiasm-demonstrate the arts' enormous ability to promote cultural awareness and understanding."

Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley endorsed the Goodman's Latino Theatre Festival as a primary theatrical complement to the "Year of Mexico in Chicago"-a citywide celebration of cultural, civic and academic events taking place throughout 2010. "The arts help bring the people of our city together," said Mayor Daley, "and that's why it's so important to support and participate in cultural events such as the Goodman's Latino Theatre Festival, and the 'Year of Mexico' in Chicago. I am proud to be the mayor of a city that promotes cultural awareness and appreciation. In Chicago we embrace our diversity and realize that our differences are a cause for celebration and not isolation. We are a city of immigrants who have made this city their home, invested their talents and helped create strong, vibrant neighborhoods."

Goodman Theatre is grateful to its Festival Sponsors. The Major Festival Sponsor is The Boeing Company Charitable Trust; Target is the Lead Corporate Sponsor of The Sins of Sor Juana and Lead Festival Diversity Night Sponsor; and the Corporate Sponsor Partner of The Sins of Sor Juana is Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP. Principal support of Artistic Development and Diversity Initiatives is provided by The Joyce Foundation.

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