As I was preparing to cover this year’s Destinos: Chicago International Latino Theater Festival for the Reader, I received the heartbreaking news of the passing of Juan Ramirez, the longtime artistic director of Latino Chicago Theater Company. Ramirez, who was a significant force in building up Latinx theater in Chicago during the 1980s and 90s, passed away at the age of 68 after battling pancreatic cancer on September 17. His influence on a generation of theater makers through Latino Chicago and other initiatives remains profound, despite his decreased visibility in recent years. Ramirez’s impact on the Chicago theater scene was undeniable, as he pushed the boundaries of storytelling by drawing on different traditions, rooted in the politics and aesthetics of Latin American populist theater.
Ramirez, along with his brother Michael, came from working-class roots and set themselves apart from predominantly white-led theater ensembles that emerged from college collaborations. Their dedication to illustrating Latinx life through various lenses, such as political, poetic, comedic, and satiric, was evident in their work at Latino Chicago. The company was committed to showcasing stories by, of, and for Latinx people, challenging the dominant realism narrative in Chicago theater.
Ramirez’s influence extended beyond Latino Chicago, as he inspired and nurtured a diverse group of theater artists who went on to make significant contributions to the Chicago theater scene. Justina Machado, who kickstarted her acting career at Latino Chicago, credits Ramirez with shaping her artistic journey and describes him as “the godfather of Latino theater in Chicago.” Similarly, Frankie Davila highlights Ramirez’s encouragement of a unique acting style he called “cartooning,” which added depth and dimension to their productions.
Ramirez’s legacy lives on in the theaters that followed in the footsteps of Latino Chicago, such as Teatro Vista, UrbanTheater Company, and Aguijón Theater. These companies continue to uphold the values and principles that Ramirez instilled in them, creating a lasting impact on the Chicago theater landscape. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, including a devastating fire that destroyed the Firehouse venue in 1997, Ramirez’s determination and passion for storytelling never wavered.
Throughout his career, Ramirez was known for his generosity, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment to uplifting marginalized voices in the theater community. His legacy is a testament to the transformative power of art and the enduring impact of one man’s vision on an entire generation of artists. As we mourn the loss of a pioneer in Latinx theater, we also celebrate the lasting impact and legacy that Juan Ramirez leaves behind.
