Photo Flash: The Classic Theatre presents BLESS ME, ULTIMA

Latinx communities have long been left out of U.S. and Latin American histories. Latinos in the U.S often don't know their own histories because Latinx history and literature is often not part of their schooling experiences. There are so many ways that literature for youth functions as a way of recovering those lost histories and keeping them in view of young audiences, who may not hear them otherwise. We must consider the reality that ethnic and Latinx Studies have been banned in states in the Southwest and continue to struggle for representation throughout the U.S. educational pipeline. It is important to tell these stories in a city with such a large population who would benefit from it.

Bless Me, Ultima is a drama set in the 1940s, centered on the social-psychological maturation of a Mexican-American, or Chicano, six-year-old Antonio Márez, living on the eastern plains of New Mexico. Ultima is a curandera, or folk healer, who helps Antonio contend with the battle between good and evil that rages in his village. The Classic Theatre pays homage to Chicano literature pioneer, playwright and 2016 National Medal of Arts recipient Rudolfo Anaya with a fully staged version of his iconic breakthrough 1972 novel.

Directed by José Rubén De León, The Classic Theatre's production of Bless Me, Ultima is the third show celebrating the company's 10th anniversary season. Familiar faces at Classic, like Marisa Varela (Classic's Second Series Production: Burning Patience, The House of Bernarda Alba), Bella Villarreal (The House on Mango Street), and Amanda Ireta-Goode (Classic's Second Series Production: Burning Patience), return to the stage.

Opening Night - February 16, 2018. Please join us for a complimentary opening night champagne reception.

Shows are held at The Classic Theatre located at 1924 Fredericksburg Rd. The theatre is handicapped accessible. Tickets are available online now at www.classictheatre.org. If you have questions, please contact The Classic Theatre Box Office at (210) 589-8450.

Photo Credit-Siggi Ragnar