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Chicano Theatre: The Act of Resistance, a recent documentary by local filmmaker Eugenia Renteria, has been featured as one of 10 short films in the Story in Us series produced by the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).
This episode in the series explores storytelling traditions around the world, focusing on Chicano theatre as a way of talking about social justice through a common experience and tradition. In the 10-minute film, Renteria explores its roots in San Juan Bautista’s El Teatro Campesino and the work of San Jose’s Teatro Visión.
“Chicano theater uses art to transmit a message,” Renteria said, “and to inspire community members to take action. It used to be performed on flatbed trucks with small groups, and now it is in theaters and taught in universities.”
Born in Zacatecas, Mexico, Renteria moved to California when she was 12. After graduating from San Benito High, she enrolled at CSU Monterey Bay as a Human Communication major, then moved on to the Cinematic Arts and Technology program.
“Many elements of my life were pushing me in that direction,” she said, “such as writing stories in high school, filming family gatherings, and editing small videos for friends. After CSUMB, I took every opportunity just to gain more experience.”
In 2016, Renteria founded Inspira Studios in Watsonville and began filming events (including some for BenitoLink) and making short documentaries for nonprofits. Her first documentary, based in her hometown in Mexico, got her into film festivals.
From there, she began work on a Spanglish web series, Amor en Cuarentena, set on the Central Coast and still on the festival circuit. Renteria also became part of the PBS Creative Voices program, mentoring filmmakers who produce content for public media.
Her studio achieved a significant milestone with “Why Puerto Rican Bomba Music Is Resistance,” a film in the PBS Sound Field series that explores Sierreño music through the work of Gen Z musicians.
Eugenia Renteria. Courtesy of Eugenia Renteria. 
Still from La Muerte Baila, actor applying stage makeup. Courtesy of Eugenia Renteria. 
Still from Teatro Vision’s La Muerte Baila, actor waving goodbye in the final scene. Courtesy of Eugenia Renteria. 
Still from La Muerte Baila, actor dancing on stage. Courtesy of Eugenia Renteria.
Nominated for an Imagen Award, which recognizes positive portrayals of Latinos in the entertainment industry, the film opened the door for Renteria to submit a film proposal for the Story in Us series.
“I pitched Chicano theater,” she said. “After doing some research, I realized theater is a very important storytelling tradition in this community, but it wasn’t well known outside of my circle.”
While mainly following the work of Teatro Visión, founded 40 years ago, there is a nod to El Teatro Campesino’s pioneering social theater rooted in the Chicano community.
“After El Teatro Campesino,” Renteria said, “many others followed their lead and established theaters that were not only showing plays but also teaching and involving youth. Now, it is not just Chicanos but also Latinos and many other ethnicities taking part in this art.”
Teatro Visión, founded by Elisa Marina Alvarado, offers youth classes and produces plays annually. The current production, “No y Amo Aquí Solos” by Yosimar Reyes, is mentioned in the film.
“The film is mainly about Teatro Visión’s impact,” Renteria said, “and how it has inspired the community to take action and share their struggles and joys. Even though Chicano theater focuses on Chicano stories, they are very relatable to many different communities.”
Renteria said the film, available on the PBS YouTube channel, has received a positive reception from the Chicano community, with many people “commenting on how inspired they were to see these types of stories.”
“They feel seen because we are not used to seeing stories like this online,” she said. “Many of the issues we faced 40 or 50 years ago are still relevant today. I think Chicano theater will continue to be an avenue to share a message of change and action.”
Eugenia Renteria and Inspira Studios are on Instagram and Facebook.
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