Latino Theater Company’s latest production “Level Up!” asks: what does it mean to live as your true, authentic self? Co-commissioned by Latino Theater Company and Children’s Theatre Company of Minneapolis as part of the Generation Now initiative supported by the Mellon Foundation, this family-friendly new play by local playwright Gabriel Rivas Gómez follows Desi López, a trans tween who is afraid to come out to her family.
In real life, Desi is still seen as a boy, but in her virtual world The Proxy, she has the freedom to exist as her true self. Through live performance, projection and inventive design, “Level Up!” explores identity, family and transformation in an era increasingly shaped by virtual reality.
The World Premiere of “Level Up” debuts April 4 and runs through May 3. For the first time LATC is offering free childcare for kids ages 4 – 12. Featuring fun, age-appropriate activities led by a trusted childcare team, free childcare will be available during the Saturday matinee performances.
“We are incredibly excited to offer childcare to our patrons for the first time. This has been a dream of ours for many years, rooted in our commitment to making theater truly accessible to families,” says Jose Luis Valenzuela, Artistic Director. “We know that a day at the theater can feel like a luxury, and we never want cost or logistics to prevent our community from experiencing powerful, meaningful stories together. We hope this is just the beginning of being able to offer childcare for many productions to come.”
“Level Up!” is appropriate for ages 10 and up. Performances on Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. April 4 – May 3. Tickets range $10 – $48. Opening matinee on April 4 is $75, which includes a post-performance reception. $100 family pack tickets (two adults and two children) are available for performances on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (except for previews and opening matinee).
Latino Theater Company is located at the Los Angeles Theatre Center,514 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90013.
