What is an ACTO? DEFINITION: A form of Chicano Teatro (Mexican-American Theater

What is an ACTO?
DEFINITION: A form of Chicano Teatro (Mexican-American Theater) created by El Teatro
Campesino in the 1960’s during the United Farm Worker’s struggle and the Chicano Movement.
It is a short 8-10 minute theatrical narrative that presents a social problem to its audience and
ends by providing a solution to the problem. It calls the audience to ACTION!
PURPOSE:
Educate the public, your audience
When creating an ACTO for your community, think about:
WHO is your TARGET AUDIENCE?
WHERE will you perform?
WHAT is the beginning, middle, and end of your Acto?
WHAT is the Problem? WHAT is the Solution?
HOW do you want to represent your community? (Rural? Urban?); RELATE to real issues, real
locations
WHEN is your ACTO taking place (what is your setting)?
WHAT symbols will you use? (examples: El Diablo, La Muerte)
POSSIBLE FORMAT:
Introduction: Main character introduces himself and answers: Who? What? Where? Why?
How?
A. A conflict is presented
B. Character is forced to make a choice arising out of the conflict
C. Character either makes the right choice or the wrong one and the audience is shown the
consequences
Conclusion: A solution to the problem is provided
HELPFUL TOOLS:
Use archetypes (Who is the “Farm worker,” “Contractor,” the “Boss” in the scene?)
Utilize Symbols (bodies, hands, objects, universal symbols like La Virgen, El Diablo, La Muerte)
Pauses help to create tension
Use tableau’s: create several powerful images that without dialogue put your point across
Use short, clean dialogue
Signs can help signify characters to the audience (you are trying to make your point clear)

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DEFINITION: A form of Chicano Teatro (Mexican-American Theater appeared first on Course Hero.