Before there was the Resistance, There was the Movement; Before the Movement There was The Revolutionist! June 14 – July 1

 

An aging revolutionary tries to adapt to the urban United States, comparing it to the principles and passions he fought for during the Mexican Revolution in 1910. A life filled with loss, sadness, and possible deportation cannot stop “the Revolutionist” from holding his head high and demanding respect.

Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Center presents The Revolutionist, a powerful prelude to the consciousness that would propel the Chicano Movement. The play was written by Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales, and directed by Anthony J. Garcia. The Revolutionist runs June 14th through July 1st at Su Teatro Cultural & Performing Arts Center, 721 Santa Fe Drive, Denver CO. Curtain for evening performances is at 7:30 pm with a Sunday matinee at 2:00 pm. Ticket prices vary with special discounts throughout the run and can be purchased online (www.suteatro.org), by phone (303-296-0219), or at the Box Office.

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Written by Corky in 1967, this play looks at an old man who once fought in the Mexican Revolution. Set in the late 1950s-early 1960s, we see how Papa, our main character, is caught in his past. From reminiscing about his time with Pancho Villa to his currently family struggles, we are taken on a journey that can be tied back to our own elders and ancestors. Join us starting at 7PM for a reception to commemorate Corky on his 90th Birthday! Throughout the month of June we will also have a Chicano Cultural Renaissance Exhibit. Exhibit opens Friday, June 1st at 6pm – Artwork inspired by Corky and the Chicano Movement. Feel free to walk through at any point to view. Our operating hours are typically 9-6PM Tuesday-Friday with exceptions for performances.

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Su Teatro recognizes Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales’ legacy

Corky Gonzales is an iconic leader known for fighting for justice and equality for Chicanos. He founded the Crusade for Justice, a civil rights organization and cultural movement and through the Crusade organized walkouts, demonstrations against police brutality and the Vietnam War. His efforts ensured that Chicanos and Latinos in Colorado and the Southwest would find power and honor in a land that had been there’s for generations.

I am Joaquin” ignites the Chicano Movement

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Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales would have turned 90 years old in June of this year. His activism and leadership as a poet/warrior produced the culturally identifying poem “I am Joaquin”; a work that provided an historical case for Chicanos as descendants and inheritors of the Southwestern United States. His writing lays out the ideological framework for the Chicano movement and provided inspiration and direction for millions of activists across the country. He created the Crusade for Justice as a vehicle for grassroots organizing and creating social change.

Because of Corky Gonzales, Chicanos hold a very significant presence in cultural, political, economic and education aspects of the Denver Metropolitan area. “The Revolutionist” foreshadows these times; we see the causes and conditions that caused the activism of the 60s and 70s. Gonzales’s play chronicles the despair that can turn brave and honorable men into shadows, which he had witnessed firsthand within his own family life

Celebrating the Legacy of Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales

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Through his written work Corky motivated the arts as a vehicle for activism. The Chicano Movement inspired a rebirth (renaissance) of Chicano cultural and artistic expression. Su Teatro will host the work of visual artists Emanuel Martinez, Daniel Salazar and others who have been inspired by Corky and the Chicano movement

Special Performance on June 18th, Corky’s 90th Birthday

There will a special performance of the The Revolutionist on June 18th to celebrate what would have been Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales 90th birthday.

Continue the legacy as Su Teatro presents “The Revolutionist. All performances will be held at Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Center, 721 Santa Fe Drive, in Denver’s Santa Fe Art District. Curtain for evening performances is at 7:30 pm with the Sunday Fundraising matinee at 2:00 pm. Ticket prices vary with special discounts throughout the run and can be purchased online (www.suteatro.org), by phone (303-296-0219), or at the Box Office

The Revolutionist

A play written by Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales

Directed by Anthony J. Garcia

Performed by

Su Teatro

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