Now playing at The Classic Theatre is Rudolfo Anaya’s ‘Bless Me, Última’ and there are still a few chances to catch this iconic production. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. and it runs until Sunday March 11, 2018. Tickets range from $17 to $32 and are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 589-8450. Rudolfo Anaya is an American author who is considered one of the founders of contemporary Chicano literature. His novel ‘Bless Me, Última.’ is the coming of age story of Antonio Márez y Luna and his mentorship under his curandera and protector, Última. It is directed by José Rubén De León and stars Carlos Alvarado as the Narrator, Andrew Treviño as Tony and Marisa Varela as Última.

‘Bless Me, Última’ is set in post-World War II New Mexico in the small town of Guadalupe. It starts off as the narrator, a grown Tony, recounts a childhood memory surrounding Narciso, the town drunk. Narciso is a war veteran and word around town is that he suffers from PTSD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. As a child, he witnesses as Tenorio, the local bar owner, and his friends, chase Narciso and eventually corner him by the river and kill him in cold blood. This experience not only scars him but sets off a series of events that will lead him to question everything he thought he knew about family, religion and the world around him.

When the family welcomes Última, a folk healer, into their home, she and Tony develop a friendship. She sees something in Tony that compels her to share her trade with him as she guides him through the tough times when he is torn between family loyalty and following his heart. Even though the family loves and respects her, some of the townsfolk demonize her and call her a witch. When the owl that protects her is shot and killed, Última dies, but not before a heart-broken Tony asks for her blessing.

Like the novel, the play is in English and Spanish and contains a few Spanish curse words. Because of De León’s superb directing, Spanish fluency is not necessary to enjoy a play whose universal themes of family, faith, mysticism, mortality and nature transcends language. It is refreshing to see an all Latin cast and crew bring ‘Bless Me, Última’ to the San Antonio stage where its diverse audience can appreciate its multiculturalism and indigenous traditions. Andrew Treviño and Marisa Varela work well together as Tony and Última and Carlos Alvarado delivers authenticity and vulnerability as narrator/present day Tony. The intimate setting of The Classic Theatre gives audiences a front-row seat to Tony’s journey and makes this a must-see show.

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio
1924 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 589-8450