This thesis begins a complicated and detailed introduction to the term latinidad as a way to illuminate, analyze, and address issues that involve people of Latin American and Caribbean descent who now live in the United States—that is, Latinos/as. It then shows how theatre, and one play in particular, demonstrate this term, and why it is useful.
Speaking of Latinos/as as one group is an uneasy enterprise, as they are of many races and classes, come from a multitude of countries, and have a multitude of languages, cultures, and religions. Attempting to articulate what this group is, who they are, whether historically, presently, or potentially, is an articulation of latinidad. These articulations can exist in all forms of human behavior, whether everyday action and conversation, or formal, public performance. The specific racism that Latinos/as face in the United States can be described as one type of latinidad. Conflicts between Latinos/as and non-Latinos/as, and conflicts between Latinos/as are all instances of latinidad. Actions of resistance, division, affirmation, support, solidarity, and compromise by Latino/as are also instances of latinidad.
Theatre is an excellent venue in which to demonstrate and discuss latinidad. Theatre is representational, providing embodied possibility for audiences to watch and experience, and presentational, providing ideas and opinions with which audiences may consider, agree, and disagree. Theatre also requires conflict and multiple perspectives in order to portray dramatic action. Thus, latinidad, in all its complexity and different forms, can be well served by theatre.
One play that deals with latinidad, as a complex set of ideas and events, is Prodigal Kiss by Caridad Svich. The play portrays the process of ceasing to be Latin American and becoming Latino/a in the United States. Through character dilemmas, conflicts, and actions, audiences see many different aspects of and arguments on latinidad that they may identify, agree and sympathize with, or disagree with and reject. Through the representation and presentation of latinidad, audience members and theatre practicioners, both Latino/a and non-Latino/a can leave theatrical productions with new questions, ideas, and possibilities for their own lives.