TAMPA — Stageworks Theatre will present the acclaimed one-man play “Latin History for Morons,” featuring Tampa actor and community leader Néstor Meléndez in the lead role. The production opens with a preview night on Thursday, Dec. 4, and runs through Dec. 21, at Stageworks Theatre, 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa.
Performances of “Latin History for Morons” will be Fridays, 8 p.m.; and Saturdays, 7:30 p.m. Matinees will be presented Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m. For information and to purchase tickets, visit www.stageworkstheatre.org.
Written and originally performed by award-winning actor John Leguizamo, “Latin History for Morons” follows a father determined to fill the gaps left in his son’s school history books. His search launches an energetic, funny and poignant journey through more than 3,000 years of Latin American history — from the civilizations of the ancient Americas to contemporary figures whose contributions often go unrecognized. Leguizamo’s original Broadway performance earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Play in 2018.
The production is part of Stageworks’ ongoing Hispanic Initiative aimed at highlighting the contributions of Hispanic authors and playwrights.
Meléndez, who serves on Stageworks’ board of directors, and as dean of student services at Hillsborough Community College, brings considerable stage experience to this fast-paced one-man show. A dedicated advocate for cultural representation and education, he is a member and ambassador of the Tampa Bay Latin Chamber of Commerce. His personal commitment to empowering Latin students and families mirrors the themes at the heart of the production.
“This play is a reminder that history is not just what gets printed in textbooks,” Meléndez said. “History lives in families, communities and identities, and often the most powerful stories are the ones we were never taught.”
“Latin History for Morons” combines humor, candid storytelling and sharp social commentary to challenge the erasure of Latin people from mainstream narratives while celebrating their lasting impact on world history. Audiences can expect a fast-paced evening that is both thought-provoking and laugh-out-loud funny.
Director JL Rey leads the creative team alongside Frank Chávez, set designer; Andrés Mota, costume designer; Celeste Mannerud, lighting designer; and Karla Hartley, sound designer. The production team is led by Heather Krueger, production stage manager; James Putnam, production carpenter; and Leiann Klien, scenic artist.