Publish Date: Aug 29, 2016
The Western Stage celebrates its partnership with local theatre icon
Luis Valdez and the 50th anniversary of El Teatro Campesino with the newly revised
Bandido!
Performances are September 10 through October 1 in the Mainstage Theater
SALINAS, Calif. – The Western Stage continues its 42nd repertory season with a newly revised version of Luis Valdez’s musical play Bandido! The American Melodrama of Tiburcio Vásquez, Notorious California Bandit.
The show is a stunning biography, a thumping melodrama, and an epic political satire all rolled into one, exploring the turbulent and controversial life of Tiburcio Vásquez. Bandido! runs September 10 through October 1, 2016 at The Western Stage's Mainstage Theater at Hartnell College, 411 Central Ave., Salinas. TWS artistic associate Lorenzo Aragon and Cesar Flores direct. Details are at westernstage.com.
Originally staged by El Teatro Campesino in 1982, Bandido! tells the story of local legend Tiburcio Vásquez’s last desperate robbery in 1875. After the bloody crime that took place in Tres Pinos, Vásquez is captured in southern California and transferred and held in a San Jose prison. Looking to capitalize on the dramatic events, a local impresario stages a melodrama telling the exciting tale about Vásquez and his capture.
Bandido! takes place all over California, including Tres Pinos, the spot of Vásquez’s capture in Laurel Canyon, and his jail cell in San Jose. The play bounces back and forth between gritty reality and the overblown theatricality of the melodrama. Bandido! is truly a slice of rich local history.
Although Vásquez ends up hanging for his crimes, playwright Valdez stays far from painting him as a one- dimensional villain. In a review for a major 1994 revival of Bandido! at the Mark Taper Forum, Los Angeles Times theatre critic Laurie Winer wrote, "In deconstructing the myth of the bandido, Valdez romanticizes him anew, making him a Hamlet … complete with a strong aversion to whatever violent acts he might be forced into contemplating."
In addition to direction by Aragon and Flores, The Western Stage’s production is designed by Theodore K. Dolas (scenic), Maegan Roux (costumes), Derek Duarte (lighting) and Jeff Mockus (sound). Aragon is also the choreographer and Jesus Covarubias is the musical director.
As part of our {reActions} series, playwright Luis Valdez will answer audience questions after the matinee performance of Bandido! on September 25. This is an Advocacy Committee Event
DETAILS
WHAT: The Western Stage presents Bandido! a newly revised musical play by Luis Valdez about the controversial life of local legend Tiburcio Vásquez. The production is presented in partnership with the National Steinbeck Center's Big Read.
WHEN: Sept. 10-Oct. 1, 2016, at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2:00 p.m. on Sundays.
WHERE: The Mainstage Theater at The Western Stage, Hartnell College, 411 Central Ave., Salinas.
TICKETS AND INFO: Admission is $26 general admission, $24 for seniors, and $12 for children. Hartnell students are free with student I.D. For tickets and more details, go to westernstage.com or call 831-755-6816.
PRESS: For press tickets, contact Dennis Beasley at dbeasley@hartnell.edu or 831-759-6984. Download high- res publicity photos at goo.gl/ve0bbr
ABOUT THE WESTERN STAGE: Founded in 1974, The Western Stage (TWS) has evolved over the last four decades into one of the most respected community-based theaters on California’s Central Coast. TWS is committed to enriching the culture of its community by bringing together professional artists, theatre students, and community members to produce a dynamic season of plays that enhances the lives of both the artist and audience; developing new works that speak to the history and culture of the Salinas Valley; and providing educational opportunities that allow students of all skill levels to explore and develop their unique talents.
HARTNELL COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT – ESTABLISHED IN 1920: The Hartnell CCD
serves over 16,000 students annually through its main campus in Salinas, the Alisal Campus in East Salinas, the King City Education Center, and various outreach learning centers throughout the Salinas Valley. Hartnell College, a Hispanic Serving Institution, provides workforce training, basic skills courses, and prepares students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Hartnell College is recognized for its innovative public and private partnerships that support world class STEM education, career technical education, fine and performing arts, humanities, and athletics. We are proud to be the winners of the Innovation Award for CSin3 – a Computer Science degree in three years. We are growing leaders through opportunity, engagement, and achievement. For more about Hartnell CCD, visit www.hartnell.edu.
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