KPCC in Person Presents a Special One Night Event the Return of ZOOT SUIT

KPCC In Person will present a special event with The Frame at the Mark Taper Forum on Monday, February 13, 2017, at 7:30 p.m. The return of "Zoot Suit": downSTAGE with The Frame will include host John Horn, "Zoot Suit" writer-director Luis Valdez, Center Theatre Group Artistic Director Michael Ritchie, original and revival cast memberRose Portillo and others as they take the "Zoot Suit" stage to revisit this crucial part of L.A. history and examine social conditions for Mexican-Americans in current-day Los Angeles.

Racial tensions in Los Angeles exploded when, in 1943, American sailors set out to attack young Mexican-American men who were being blamed for an uptick in violence. The targets were youths who had adopted, as their signature look, the zoot suit - the stylish, baggy outfit that had been made popular by jazz musicians in New York. The 10-day spasm of violence became the basis for "Zoot Suit," the landmark 1978 production at the Mark Taper Forum. Almost 40 years later, the first Chicano show to go to Broadway is being revived by Center Theatre Group at the Mark Taper Forum with its original writer-director, Luis Valdez.

Center Theatre Group's production of "Zoot Suit" at the Mark Taper Forum, begins previews January 31, opensFebruary 12 and continues through March 12, 2017. Written and directed by Luis Valdez, "Zoot Suit" is presented in association with El Teatro Campesino.

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