Blanco Brings STORIES OF CESAR CHAVEZ to Fringe Fest June 17-26

Written, performed and produced by Fred Blanco, The Stories of Cesar Chavez opens at Theater Asylum (6320 Santa Monica Blvd) on Thursday, June 17 at 5:30 pm and runs through June 26. As part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival, tickets are $10 and are available at http://www.hollywoodfringe.org/.

This dramatic bilingual portrayal of the civil rights activist and labor leader Cesar Chavez blends fact and fiction to offer a compelling look at the California farm workers' struggle of the 1960's as seen through the eyes of their humble leader.  The audience shares Chavez's spiritual journey from farm worker to activist. As imagined by Mr. Blanco, Chavez's 1968 hunger strike leads him to re-examine his past while under the watchful eye of La Virgen de Guadalupe.  Mr. Blanco embodies a compelling host of characters from youthful zoot-suiters and peasant farm workers, to racist teamsters and angry radicals as he gives his audience a glimpse of a man locked in a struggle with his personal demons while fighting for equality for his community.

A member of the Southern California theater community for over 18 years, Fred Blanco has appeared in a variety of roles on stage and screen. He has performed for such companies as the national touring troupe, Traveling Lantern , and the acclaimed guerilla theater troupe, The Bad Puppets. In addition he has worked with a number of organizations in Los Angeles, such as the L.A.U.S.D. through the L.A. County "Arts for All" program, providing theater education to diverse young audiences.  Especially close to his heart is his work in youth correctional facilities around the country. By bringing theater into the classrooms of juvenile halls, Mr. Blanco has been able to demonstrate the trans-formative power of Art by providing the incarcerated students, for many of whom this may be their first exposure to live theatrical performance, a forum in which to discuss the social issues that resonate most deeply with them.

Mr. Blanco also appears as Cesar Chavez for the Chautauqua Lecture Series featured at various colleges around the United States. His solo performance piece, The Stories of Cesar Chavez has reached audiences at universities, theatrical venues throughout the U.S. and Canada, and has been featured on various radio and television shows throughout the country. Most recently he performed at the beloved Su Teatro in Denver, Colorado and at the National Hispanic Cultural Centerin Albuquerque, New Mexico.

When he completes his Hollywood Fringe run, Mr. Blanco looks forward to a full summer tour of fringe festivals in Boulder, Minneapolis, and San Francisco. Winner of OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE award, London Fringe 2009 and Recipient of THE BRICKENDEN AWARD for Best Touring Performance of 2009.

 

About The Hollywood Fringe Festival The Hollywood Fringe Festival is an annual celebration of the emerging arts. Environments for the Fringe include both traditional and unorthodox venues; fully equipped theaters, street corners, clubs, bars, and places unexpected. Performances are self-produced by local, national, and international arts companies and independent performers. In the spirit of most Fringes, participation is open and uncensored. Hollywood is home to dozens of Los Angeles' premiere theaters and clubs, making it the perfect spot for the 2010 Festival. The neighborhood has always been a source of unapologetic opinion, underground mentality, and a deep passion for the cutting-edge. The Hollywood Fringe is an immersive festival worthy of the neighborhood's reputation. The Fringe Company is establishing partnerships with arts companies, community organizations, and other local businesses in the Hollywood area to host and participate in the Festival. The Festival takes place June 17-27, 2010.

 

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