Zoot Suit at Wise Family Theater

Zoot Suit at Wise Family Theater

The UTEP Department of Theatre and Dance presents the Luis Valdez classic, Zoot Suit. This still relevant, historial musical brings us the story of Henry Reyna and the 38th Street Gang through the eerie Sleepy Lagoon Murders, the following trial, and infamous Zoot Suit Riots. This piece highlights the truths of America in the 1940’s- that remain relevant to this day. Through their fight for identity and freedom, we continue to learn what it means to care for your fellow man. Content warning: Zoot Suit is a heightened, presentational, theatrical retelling of a historical moment in 1940s America. With its central theme of identity, it's a piece in which a span of anti-Latinx aggressions are made. The piece depicts Latinx marginalization and cultural tensions, as well as abuses of law enforcement, the judicial system, & media coverage, among other sensitive content. The piece requires the use of harsh and racial language/slurs (including a single instance of the N-word), weapons, cigarettes, misogynistic dynamics, homophobic slurs, etc