Tag: Rudolfo Anaya

Theater review: ‘Bless Me, Ultima’ at The Classic Theatre

blessmeultima
‘Bless Me, Ultima’ is now playing at The Classic Theatre until March 11.  Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

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

‘Bless Me, Ultima’ at The Classic Theatre

blessmeultima
‘Bless Me, Ultima’ opens at The Classic Theatre on Friday February 16. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

With their upcoming production of Rudolfo Anaya’s ‘Bless Me, Ultima,’ The Classic Theatre continues to celebrate the company’s 10th anniversary season. Rudolfo Anaya is an American author best known for his 1972 novel ‘Bless Me, Ultima’ and is considered one of the founders of contemporary Chicano literature. The novel is a coming of age story of Antonio Márez and his mentorship under his curandera and protector, Ultima. It opens on Friday February 16 and will run until Sunday March 11 with show dates Fridays and Saturdays at 8p.m. and Sundays at 3p.m. Ticket prices are $32 for general admission, $28 for senior, military, educator or SATCO, and $17 for students and are available online.  On opening night, there will be a complimentary champagne reception. (The Classic Theatre, 2018)

‘Bless Me, Ultima’ is a drama set in the 1940s, centered on the social-psychological maturation of a Mexican-American, or Chicano, six-year-old Antonio Márez, living on the eastern plains of New Mexico. Ultima is a curandera, or folk healer, who helps Antonio contend with the battle between good and evil that rages in his village. The Classic Theatre pays homage to Chicano literature pioneer, playwright and 2016 National Medal of Arts recipient Rudolfo Anaya with a fully staged version of his iconic breakthrough 1972 novel. Directed by José Rubén De León, it features familiar faces at Classic, like Marisa Varela, Classic’s Second Series Production of ‘Burning Patience’ and ‘The House of Bernarda Alba,’ Bella Villarreal ‘The House on Mango Street’ and Amanda Ireta-Goode, Classic’s Second Series Production of ‘Burning Patience.’

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