SAN ANTONIO – The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center’s Theater Arts Program will have a reading of Rodney Garza’s new play El Pazchuco for Prez scheduled for May 31, 2025 at the Guadalupe Latino Bookstore, 1300 Guadalupe St. at 3pm. A full production of El Pazchuco for Prez is scheduled for late September 2025.  

El Pazchuco for Prez is a lampoon of the American electoral system. El Pazchuco is a zoot-suited lecturer who is tired of the politricks and decides to shake things up by throwing his Tando (Zooter hat) into the political arena. The audience will have the opportunity for a Q&A with playwright Rodney Garza immediately after the reading. 

Rodney Garza is an actor/director/writer/designer/teaching artist who resides in Moreno Valley, CA. Most recently seen as Viejo Antonio in the touring version of CRYSTAL CITY 1969, he’s collaborated with Cara Mia Theatre since 2005.  

He was the original director of PETRA’S PECADO when it premiered at the Guadalupe Theater in 1995 to sell-out success. Other productions which Garza has directed include PETRA’S SUEÑO, ZOOT SUIT, I AM JOAQUIN, SCHOOL OF THE AMERICAS, I DON’T HAVE TO SHOW YOU NO STINKING BADGES, LA VICTIMA, LATINS ANONYMOUS, WATSONVILLE: SOME PLACE NOT HERE, A PUEBLO CHRISTMAS, LOS DUENDES. 

He was a cast member for El Teatro Campesino’s 25th Anniversary Tour of ZOOT SUIT. He is the creator/performer of the popular bilingual comedy, EL CHUCO LOVES LA CHE. Favorite acting roles include: El Pachuco-ZOOT SUIT, Cesar Chavez-SURCOS DE ORO, WATERED WITH TEARS, Che Guevara-SCHOOL OF THE AMERICAS, Grandpop-ELLIOT, A SOLDIER’S FUGUE, Claudio-LYDIA, Joaquin-I AM JOAQUIN. 

Garza was also the founding artistic director of Teatro Humanidad Cansada (Austin), as well as a founding member of the sketch comedy troupes Chicano Inteligencia Agencia and Latino Comedy Project. He performs spoken word and was part of the politically poignant duo PEACE POSSE. He was the producer/host for the bilingual radio program PIECES OF PEACE/PIEZAS DE PAZ for KOOP 91.7fm (Austin). 

“We are so honored to work with long-time Chicano performance artist Rodney Garza, “said Jorge Piña, director of the Theater Arts Program. “Rodney is no stranger to the Guadalupe stage, he recently directed Petra’s Pecado to sold out houses back in December of 2024.” 

A reception honoring the playwright and cast members will follow the reading. 

Performance/Ticket Information: 

May 31, 2025 3:00 PM 

Free Admission (come early as seating is limited) 

Location:   

Guadalupe Latino Bookstore 

1300 Guadalupe St. 

San Antonio, TX 78201 

For more information, please visit www.guadalupeculturalarts.org or call 210-271-3151 ext 250. Patrons can also visit the Guadalupe Latino Bookstore, 1300 Guadalupe St., Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.