Vasquez Rocks In Carmel!
Forest Theater Guild Presents BANDIDO! by Luis Valdez
Thursday, May 21, 2009
VASQUEZ ROCKS IN CARMEL!
Forest Theater Guild Presents All-Star Youth Production of Luis Valdez Melodrama
(THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2009: Carmel): The Forest Theater Guild Presents Luis Valdez’ play: BANDIDO! An American Melodrama of the Life and Death of Tiburcio Vasquez, the Notorious Bandit 'at the Outdoor Forest Theater. Performances are Fridays through Sundays from June 12-June 21, 2009. Tickets are on sale NOW by calling (831) 626-1681 or on the website at www.foresttheaterguild.org.
The 2009 All-Star Youth Outreach Program continues its collaboration with Luis Valdez and El Teatro Campesino to, once again, present a play that has historical and cultural relevance for our youth. BANDIDO! An American Melodrama, depicts the history of the Old West and the bandits who became legendary. Specifically, the play deals with the aftermath of the U.S.-Mexico War that led to the rise of bandits such as Joaquin Murietta and Tiburcio Vasquez. While considered “resistance fighters” by their own people, both men were notorious. The story focuses on Vasquez, who was born in Monterey and raised in San Juan Bautista. A charismatic, handsome ladies’ man, Vasquez was a popular public icon and prolific poet. Unfortunately, he holds the distinction of being the last man to be legally executed in the State of California.
In his trademark style of irony, drama, and humor, Valdez presents the contrast between the photographic portraits that documented Vasquez’ life and death with the melodramatic stereotype that survives in U.S. History books. Mr. Valdez has been recognized for his productions of ZOOT SUIT and CORRIDOS and is a world-renown playwright who has brought the Hispanic-American experience to the forefront of American theatre.
With the guidance of Mr. Valdez, the Forest Theatre Guild is working with a talented cast of high school students drawn from the three major regions of Monterey County, including South County (King City, Soledad, Greenfield, and Gonzalez), North County (Salinas, Prunedale, and Castroville), and the Peninsula (Monterey, Carmel, Pacific Grove, Seaside, and Marina). The cast performed as part of the BIG BASH, youth against gang violence in Salinas, and will be filmed LIVE on COMCAST Channel 26 in a special event for the Grand Opening of The Media Center for the Arts, Education & Technology at the Monterey County Office of Education on May 30, 2009. “The Guild’s All-Star Youth Outreach Program is unique in its commitment to be all-inclusive, to overcome barriers to participation, and to find innovative ways to increase ways for students to be involved in the Visual and Performing Arts throughout the County,” explained Jane De Lay, former Executive Director for the Guild and project contact. “These kids have had an incredible learning experience and they have gained valuable skills that will serve them well in their academic and professional careers. They are a spectacular group of performers who are delivering an excellent production. Don’t miss it!”
The Guild’s production of BANDIDO will run from June 12th thru the 21st with a special celebrity reception on Saturday, June 13, at 6pm at the Outdoor Forest Theater. Hosted by Il Fornaio of Carmel and honoring Mr. Luis Valdez, the special event will feature dinner and fine wine. The Board of Director’s of the Forest Theater Guild and supporting members of the arts community will celebrate this wonderful youth production and the importance of community theater with a presentation of recognition awards on behalf of the Forest Theater Guild.
The reception will be sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Walter Georis of Georis Wines in Carmel Valley and Il Fornio Restaurante in the village of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Tickets for the opening night reception can be reserved by calling 831-626-1681 or purchased as the door the night of the event.
For More information about the event or to learn more about the Forest Theater Guild, please contact Jane De Lay at 383-9681.
