By Oceanside Theatre Company
https://oceansidetheatre.org/latin-history-for-morons/.
Oceanside Theatre Company (OTC) proudly announces the upcoming production of Latin History for Morons, written by John Leguizamo, running from May 23 to June 8, 2025, at the historic Sunshine Brooks Theater.
Starring award-winning comedian Rick Najera (Latinologues; In Living Color; MADtv), this production brings a comedic yet poignant look at 3,000 years of Latin American history. Najera’s performance will offer new layers to the play’s exploration of Latin identity, culture, and history, shedding light on the often-overlooked contributions of Latinos in US history.
The show is directed by Herbert Sigüenza, the legendary cofounder of Culture Clash and an acclaimed playwright. Sigüenza, known for his sharp political satire and dynamic storytelling, brings his vision to the play, enhancing its relevance and urgency in today’s cultural climate.
“We are incredibly honored to present the first professional production of Latin History for Morons not performed by John Leguizamo, but by the brilliant Rick Najera,” says Managing Director Alex Goodman. “This production marks an exciting evolution of the piece—one that allows us to connect more deeply with our local Latin community, share stories that have too often been erased, and bring fresh urgency to a narrative that feels even more vital today than when it was written in 2016. These stories of identity, history, and resilience are not just relevant—they’re necessary.”
“It’s so important to do this play right now as a Latino,” says Rick Najera. “There is a lot of negativity toward Latinos. I think the real reason is people don’t know our history. We’ve been here from the beginning…If you don’t know us, that’s a problem.”
Latin History for Morons is a powerful, humorous exploration of how history often erases Latin voices. “We forget our history. We have to know and respect our history,” Najera adds.
