Latino theater coming to Fallbrook

FALLBROOK — William Virchis, a renowned professional stage director at the San Diego Rep, The Old Globe and many other theaters in San Diego and Los Angeles, will come to the Bob Burton Center of the Performing Arts at Fallbrook High School on February 9. For students, he will offer three performance/workshops on three plays by Luis Valdez (“Actos,” “La Carpe” and “Los Vendidos”) at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. All performances will be presented in ‘Spanglish.’ That same evening, at 7 p.m., an additional show will be offered for the community. The plays are entertaining and inspiring with meaningful messages for all ages.

Last May, FHS drama director Florene Villane met with former FUHS principal Ruth Hellams to discuss ways to expand the arts to the Hispanic students at the high school. In September, Villane, principal Rod King, WASC director Steve Kettering, vice principal Travis Benintendo and Performing Arts Center director Chad Costanzo formed a task force. Virchis, director of Teatro Mascara Magico, met with the task force and agreed to support the project.

Since all performances are designed to enhance student learning and achievement, the task force applied for – and received – block grants. This allows the performances to be offered free of charge to students and the public.

Villane hopes that these great plays that salute Latino history, families and folklore will appeal to all and that the production will spark a new Fallbrook tradition.