Latin History for Morons: Broadway’s Historical Theatre Experience

If you’re a fan of theatre, you’ll be well-acquainted with the fact that it’s an art form that really can get under your skin. Whether you’re stomping your feet to a raucous performance of the School of Rock, or wiping tear-stained cheeks at the Phantom of the Opera, you’ll understand how powerfully a cast of talented actors, writer and producers can communicate a message.

Broadway’s newest debut, Latin History for Morons, takes another equally-effective approach. Created, written and performed by John Leguizamo, this one-man show takes a serious theme and turns it into something that’s side-splittingly funny and mischievous.

The story is one that’s totally true – Leguizamo’s son returns from school with an assignment on heroes and, after being bullied for his Latino heritage, Leguizamo decides to research as much as he can about Latin heroes in particular – an entire culture that has been largely whitewashed from American textbooks. “If you don’t see yourself represented outside of yourself, you feel invisible.” Leguizamo says. “So how did we become so non-existent?”.

Leguizamo sets off on a mission to unearth the great figures of the Latino world, walking his son through 3,000 years of history and uncovering uncomfortable truths along the way. He shares it with us in a theatre that’s charged with both hilarity and sobering truths. “This is Latino history for morons” he says, “…and that’s you” he tells the audience, underlining morons. “I’m sorry, but it’s true!”.

Using humour, Leguizamo delivers a show that’s funny, poignant, entertaining, uncensored and passionate. To much amusement, he draws a timeline from the Ancient Mayans existed 3,000 years ago, to “…the age of Pitbull”.

“But what’s happened between our great indigenous civilisations and Latino’s today?” he asks. And that’s where the journey begins, highlighting Latino contributions to the making of America in his quest to unearth unsung heroes.

Leguizamo keeps you learning and laughing the whole way through. Like any good comedian, he’s mischievous and equal-opportunity-offensive, proving happy to push plenty of sensitivity buttons – but it’s perfect: he’s realised that the most powerful tool for change in anyone’s arsenal is laughter and, if there’s one thing this show has in spades, it’s comedy. Whether he’s mimicking his Jewish wife or gay brother, Leguizamo uses humour to open up a conversation about representation, and why it matters.

So, don’t miss this one-of-a-kind production: it’s suitable for adults and children aged 13+, and we guarantee you’ll be gripped for the entirety of the performance. And who knows – perhaps you’ll see Latino culture in a light it’s never been afforded before.

You can see an excerpt of the show here, and be sure to check out our other reviews for more from the world of theatre.