In a vibrant celebration of culture and sports, CASA 0101 Theater in the NoHo Arts District, California, presents FERNANDOMANIA, a remarkable event marking its 25th anniversary season. This unique 10-minute play festival pays homage to the legendary Mexican Major League Baseball pitcher Fernando Valenzuela, who changed the game and inspired countless fans with his talent and story.
FERNANDOMANIA features a dynamic ensemble of 16 actors performing 12 world premiere plays that delve into the impact Valenzuela has had on Major League Baseball and the lives of many Latinos. The production ingeniously blends English and Spanish dialogue with subtitles, showcasing the diversity of voices in the community. With a total of 57 roles brought to life, the festival is under the direction of four talented individuals who guide the ensemble through this multifaceted tribute.
Valenzuela, who played professionally from 1980 to 1997 with teams including the Los Angeles Dodgers, California Angels, and St. Louis Cardinals, boasts an impressive career replete with accolades. Spanning over two decades, his achievements range from being a six-time All-Star and a two-time World Series Champion to receiving a National League Cy Young Award in 1981. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014, Valenzuela is a cherished figure in the history of the sport, particularly for many in the Mexican American community.
One of the standout plays, “Fernandomania Forever,” written by Josefina López and directed by Emmanuel Delage, anchors the festival. It tells the story of Robert Vargas, a renowned muralist, as he creates a mural of Valenzuela in Boyle Heights, inspired by the passion and pride that the pitcher instilled in immigrants and Latinos. López shared that her admiration for Valenzuela shaped her early years, as he represented hope and pride for her undocumented family during challenging times.
Another compelling entry, “Linda,” offers a glimpse into the personal aspects of Valenzuela’s life through the eyes of Maria Valenzuela, his youngest daughter. Directed by Carmelita Maldonado, this play features the poignant journey of Linda Valenzuela, blending family narratives with the legacy of her father.
“From Somewhere,” also directed by Maldonado, tells the story of a young boy and his immigrant parents as they navigate their aspirations and identity through the lens of Valenzuela’s rise to fame. Jose Luis Lopez, Jr., the playwright, recounted how Valenzuela served as a beacon for immigrant families like his own, who resonated with his accomplishments.
Discovering the cultural intersections of baseball and family dynamics, “Beisbol y Novelas” by Ignacio Gonzalez explores the conflict between generations over television programming and how Valenzuela’s presence helped unify families through a shared love of baseball. This narrative reflects the nuances of cultural identity and the role sports plays in bridging divides.
In contrast, “No Sabo (I Don’t Know),” written by Oscar Arguello, dives into a boy’s internal struggle with cultural identity, illustrating how Valenzuela’s success inspired him to embrace his heritage. Arguello admits that the star pitcher was a pivotal figure in his own journey of self-acceptance.
Moving into the second part of the festival, “Once Upon A Time in LA” shares a heartfelt tale of a young boy and his grandfather who venture across the city to witness Valenzuela on the mound. Michael St. Onge, the playwright, draws on personal experiences to capture the emotional significance of that shared journey.
In a deeply reflective piece, “Nando,” Gloria Isabel Briseño draws parallels between her late brother and Valenzuela’s influence, navigating grief through memories tied to sports and identity. This personal narrative elevates the festival’s emotional resonance, showcasing the communal and familial ties that sports can forge.
Themes of identity and belonging reappear in “La Habra Ass Foos,” which interrogates the pressures to conform to cultural stereotypes through the lens of Valenzuela’s groundbreaking presence in Major League Baseball. Writer Christopher John Magallanes aims to highlight the significance of being true to oneself in a society rife with expectations.
“Safe At Home” presents a third-generation American Mexican woman reflecting on her family’s legacy while confronting the sociopolitical realities surrounding immigrants. This play juxtaposes the nostalgia of Valenzuela’s era with the ongoing issues of silence surrounding immigration in the present-day community.
In “Our Playground,” Dr. Connie Valencia celebrates the influence of Valenzuela on women in baseball, portraying friendship and competition among childhood friends. This narrative imbues the festival with a sense of empowerment and the potential for sports to redefine gender roles.
Finally, “Blue Day” weaves a story about sibling bonds and the memories that connect them to their late father through shared experiences linked to Valenzuela. Chris Banda reveals how tangible items can evoke potent memories that link generations through the legacy of the beloved pitcher.
The exemplary production team behind FERNANDOMANIA consists of talented individuals, including Josefina López, Emmanuel Deleage, and directors Carmelita Maldonado, Karla Ojeda, and Vance Valencia among others, who bring these nuanced stories to life.
The festival has received significant support from the Eastside Arts Initiative and is made possible through various grants, showcasing the collaborative effort that makes such cultural works possible. CASA 0101 Theater stands as a pillar of the community, dedicated to amplifying voices and stories that reflect the rich tapestry of Latino experiences in Los Angeles.
As FERNANDOMANIA continues to run, it is a poignant reminder of how one athlete transcended the game of baseball, touching the lives of many and instilling a sense of pride in cultural identity. The festival is not just a collection of plays; it is a celebration of a legacy that continues to inspire future generations.
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