Óscar A. Romero, the Catholic Archbishop of El Salvador who sacrificed his life for the liberation of the poor, is called upon by the heavens for sainthood. A guilt- ridden Romero struggles to accept the call for sainthood while the suffering of people persists. In a magical journey through time, we bear witness to Romero’s acts of defiance as he continues to walk alongside the poor. 

For the first time, the UIC School of Theatre and Music (STM), Teatro Vista, and Centro Romero—with generous support from the UIC Center for Latinx Literature of the Americas, the UIC Institute for the Humanities, as well as Steppenwolf’s LookOut Series—join forces to present a series of staged readings of the award-winning play, Romero, by Dr. Xiomara Cornejo. The STM, Teatro Vista, and Centro Romero are Chicago-based organizations that work towards uplifting the voices and narratives of diverse and marginalized communities. Whether it be through youth mentorship, university curriculum, theatre productions, or community-based activism, these three entities have for years demonstrated the impact of the arts as a vehicle for liberation and social change. As a theatre maker, educator, and former community organizer, Xiomara recognized the significance of presenting Romero as a joint effort and the value each organization could bring to the project, and thus coordinated this collaboration.

Romero is winner of the 2022 KCACTF Region V National Partners of the American Theatre “Outstanding Play” award.

Post-Show Discussion:

Join a 30 min talk-back led by Dramaturg Bryar Barborka after each reading with guest panelist, including UIC faculty, Chicago-based artists, and Centro Romero staff, followed by small reception. 

RSVP Here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/romero-by-xiomara-cornejo-directed-by-sandra-marquez-tickets-513145761787

Additional Performances:

Wednesday February 15, 2023, at 7pm-9pm
Steppenwolf’s LookOut Series
1700 Theater | Steppenwolf Theatre
1700 N. Halsted Ave
Chicago, IL 60614

Saturday February 18, 2023, at 4pm-6pm
Centro Romero
6216 N. Clark St. 
Chicago, IL 60660