“Former Physician Founds One of Ohio’s First Latino Theaters”
CLEVELAND (WJW) — A Cleveland theater is making waves as one of the few venues in Ohio dedicated to showcasing Latino talent, providing a platform for Latino actors, playwrights, and creatives.
The Latinus Theater Company, founded in 2018 by Monica Torres, has become a beacon for Latino culture in the state. The idea for the theater emerged when Torres, then a student at Case Western Reserve University, engaged with Latino leaders while considering a fellowship in epidemiology.
“I remember walking through campus and seeing the theater and feeling a strong desire to see what was happening inside,” Torres recalled. “I wanted to act but lacked the courage to pursue it at the time.”
With the support of the community, Torres established the Latinus Theater Company, one of Ohio’s first professional Latino theaters. As the executive artistic director, Torres has curated a diverse range of productions from across Latin America, including Cuba, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Argentina, and Chile.
“All our playwrights are Latino,” Torres said. “We aim to bring classic Latin American theater to remind audiences of the vibrant theatrical traditions from our home countries.”
The theater has staged fourteen productions, significantly impacting the local community. Torres frequently receives positive feedback from both young and older audience members who appreciate the opportunity to experience Hispanic culture and stories in Spanish right in Cleveland’s Clark-Fulton neighborhood.
Latinus Theater also addresses a critical gap for Latino actors. “I never imagined I could act here because few roles are designed for Latino actors or accommodate their accents,” Torres explained. “This theater provides a vital platform for actors who may not yet have strong English skills, allowing them to showcase their art.”
To ensure accessibility, the theater offers devices with headphones for English audio translations and provides English subtitles for all performances. The theater’s 110 seats are equipped to make the experience inclusive for non-Spanish speakers as well.
For Torres, running the theater feels like a dream fulfilled. “As a former physician, I always stressed the importance of physical health,” she said. “But for a healthy soul, we need art. In our case, it’s theater.”
