Fred Blanco, of California, will perform his one-man-show of Cesar Chavez Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. in the Hershel Zohn Theater.
Cesar Chavez resurrected in one-man show
By: Joyce Liy
Posted: 3/6/08
"Stories of Cesar Chavez," a one-man-show, will be presented at the New Mexico State University Hershel Zohn Theater.
Cesar Chavez, a Mexican American labor activist and voice of the United Farm Workers, became a leader for the migrant farm workers during the 20th century.
Native Californian Fred Blanco developed a one-man show to emphasize Chavez’s accomplishments and to instill the importance of Mexican American History.
"I want it to touch different moments of Chicano history," Blanco said. "People can take the message that speaks to them, but ultimately, I want them to understand the importance of non-violence."
Blanco has been active throughout the Los Angeles community for more than 15 years. One of his earliest memories of the theater was when a theater company, of which he was a part, performed "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn."
"After I realized how engaged he was, and how real the characters felt without all the sets, I became interested," Blanco said.
Blanco gained experience working in drama, comedy and classical theater before getting the idea for a one-man show. He was motivated to perform Cesar Chavez by a colleague who did not believe a one-man show was possible. After conducting research, Blanco was inspired.
Blanco’s last appearance on stage in Las Cruces was in a September 2007 performance at the Black Box Theater. After his presentation, Blanco took on another show at The Sol Arts in Albuquerque.
The story takes places during Chavez’s fast in which he sought strength and guidance from the Virgin Mary. Blanco mixes comedy and drama to get audiences to relate to Chavez.
"I really try to make sure that Cesar is portrayed as humanly possible, instead of just a piece of history," Blanco said.
The play is based on facts, and the characters Blanco portrays are composites of real people.
"The message of perseverance and hope, along with civil rights movements, are my main goals for the future of tomorrow," Blanco said.
"The play is bilingual because I am Mexican American, but there will be more chunks of English than Spanish, therefore, I don’t want people hesitating," Blanco said. "I want everyone to come, the play welcomes everyone, not just people of Mexican-American decent."
The show is Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $7 and $10. Call the American Southwest Theatre Company box office at 646-4515 or 1-800-646-ASTC for details.
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