Celebrating 40 Years: JUST LIKE US Launches Latino Theater Company Anniversary Season

Latino Theater Company Opens 40th Anniversary season With “Just like Us”

March 14, 2025

The Latino Theater Company is set to launch its 40th anniversary season with the West Coast premiere of Karen Zacarías’s “Just Like Us,” a compelling non-fiction play inspired by Helen Thorpe’s bestselling book. Directed by Fidel Gomez, known for “Tacos La Brooklyn,” the play promises an insightful exploration of identity, opportunity, and the complexities of immigration.

A Story of High Aspirations and Unequal Opportunities

“Just Like Us” delves into the lives of young Latina women, straight-A students with high hopes. Zacarías, herself a Mexican immigrant and former straight-A student, brings a personal connection to the narrative, stating, “I like to play with archetypes and assumptions…The girls are all straight-A students and leaders in their high school, but the two girls who have documents have opportunities that the two undocumented women don’t… I understand these girls on a visceral level.”

The play highlights the divergent paths these bright young women face, based largely on their immigration status. By focusing on their shared academic excellence and leadership qualities, “Just Like Us” challenges audiences to consider the human impact of immigration policies.

changing Hearts and Minds Through Empathy

Helen Thorpe’s original book and Zacarías’s adaptation aim to foster empathy and understanding. Thorpe explained, “I was not looking to change people’s political opinions… I want to change people’s emotional relationship to the individuals at the heart of the discussion. I want readers to relate to people caught up in the middle of the issue as fellow human beings, to walk around in their shoes. Then, they can draw whatever conclusions they want about ‘they should be here, they shouldn’t be here, they should have gotten this or that document, they should have done it this way.’ all of those opinions are legitimate, but if you can’t relate to the people caught up in the whole debate, it’s a shallow conversation.”

The goal is to move beyond political rhetoric and connect with the human stories at the core of the immigration debate. By fostering emotional connections, the play seeks to encourage more thoughtful and nuanced conversations about immigration.

The Creative Team and Cast

The production boasts a talented cast including Brenda Banda, Oscar Emmanuel Fabela, Saul Rodriguez, and Sari Sanchez. The creative team includes:

• Scenic Designer: François-Pierre Couture
• Lighting Designer: Xinyuan Li
• composer and Sound Designer: Robert J. Revell
• Projection Designer: Hsuan-Kuang Hsieh
• Costume Designer: Maria Catarina Copelli
• Choreographer: Urbanie Lucero
• Casting: Espi Revell
• Production Stage Manager: Alexa Wolfe, assisted by Martha Espinoza

Zacarías: A Leading voice in Latina Playwriting

Karen Zacarías is recognized as the most produced Latina playwright in the United States. Her extensive body of work includes “The Copper Children,” “Destiny of Desire,” and “native Gardens.” Her plays are known for their ability to “start with the simplest situations but build in layers of complexity and a lot of laughter for surprisingly memorable drama,” according to the Boston Globe.

Latino Theater Company: A Legacy of Excellence

entering its 40th year, the Latino Theater Company has been recognized as a vital cultural institution in Los Angeles. The company operates The Los Angeles theater Center, contributing significantly to the city’s artistic landscape. The City of Los Angeles recently extended the company’s lease through 2056, a testament to its “effective first-class theater center operations.”

Performance Details

Opening Night: Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 8 p.m.

Regular Performances: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 4 p.m., through May 18

Previews: April 10-18

Location: The Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90013

Tickets: $10–$48 (Opening night: $75, includes reception)

Parking: $8 with box office validation at Los Angeles Garage Associate Parking structure, 545 S. Main St.

Don’t miss This Powerful Production

“Just Like Us” promises to be a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant theatrical experience. Secure your tickets now to witness this crucial West Coast premiere and support the Latino Theater Company’s continued contributions to the arts. Visit the Los Angeles theatre Center’s website or call the box office today!

How does “Just Like Us” challenge audiences to think differently about immigration beyond political debates adn recognize the human impact of immigration policies?

Latino Theater CompanyS “Just Like Us”: An Interview with Artistic Director, Sofia Flores

March 14, 2025

The Latino Theater Company is celebrating its 40th Anniversary season with the West Coast premiere of Karen Zacarías’s “Just Like Us.” We sat down with Sofia Flores,artistic Director of the Latino Theater Company,to discuss this powerful play and its meaning.

Welcoming “Just Like Us” to the Stage

Archyde: Sofia, thanks for joining us. Can you tell us what drew the Latino Theater Company to “Just Like Us” as its opening play for this milestone season?

Sofia flores: Absolutely! First, thank you for having me. “Just Like Us” is an incredibly relevant and moving piece. Zacarías tackles complex issues of immigration and identity through the personal stories of young Latina women with such grace and honesty. As we celebrate our 40th anniversary and our commitment to amplifying Latino voices, this play felt like the perfect choice to spark dialog and promote empathy within our community and beyond.

Exploring themes of Identity and Possibility

Archyde: The play focuses on the divergent paths these young women face based on their immigration status. How does “Just Like Us” challenge audiences to think differently about immigration?

Sofia Flores: “Just Like Us” is a powerful reminder that immigration isn’t just a political debate; its a human story. by highlighting the shared academic excellence and leadership potential of these young women, irrespective of their documentation, the play forces us to confront preconceived notions and consider the wasted potential that results from unequal opportunities. It asks us to see these individuals as fellow human beings with dreams and aspirations.

The Power of Empathy in Theatre

Archyde: helen Thorpe’s book and karen Zacarías’s adaptation emphasize the importance of empathy. How do you see theatre, specifically this production, contributing to that goal?

Sofia flores: Theatre has a unique ability to foster empathy. It allows audiences to step into someone else’s shoes and experience their joys,struggles,and perspectives. “Just Like Us” creates an intimate and emotional connection with the characters, encouraging audiences to move beyond abstract political arguments and connect with the human impact of immigration policies.We hope audiences leave the theatre with a deeper understanding of the complexities and nuances surrounding immigration.

A Legacy of Excellence and Future Aspirations

Archyde: This production marks the start of the Latino Theater Company’s 40th year. What are some of the key milestones that have shaped the company’s legacy, and what are your hopes for the future?

sofia Flores: Over the past four decades, the Latino Theater Company has been a vital force in the Los Angeles arts landscape, providing a platform for Latino artists and stories. We’ve consistently strived to produce high-quality theatre that reflects the diverse experiences of our community. Looking ahead, we are committed to continuing our legacy of excellence, expanding our reach, and fostering the next generation of Latino theater artists. We want to create a space where diverse voices are not only heard but celebrated.

A Thought-Provoking Experience

Archyde: What do you hope audiences will take away from seeing “Just Like Us”?

Sofia Flores: I hope they leave with a renewed sense of empathy and a desire to engage in more thoughtful conversations about immigration. I also hope they’ll be inspired to support organizations working to create a more just and equitable society. What resonates most with you about discussions surrounding immigration policies?

Archyde: Thank you, Sofia, for sharing your insights. We encourage everyone to see “Just Like Us” at The Los Angeles Theatre Center. Tickets are available now!