Juan Ramirez (1957-2024)
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Juan Ramirez – known as ”the godfather of Latino theater in Chicago” – died on September 17 at the age of 66. Juan was known as a champion of Latino artists and for his influence in moving Chicago’s Latino theater into the realms of “magical realism,” which was rooted in populist Latin American theater.
Juan began working with Dennis Zacek during the early days of Latino Chicago, which was based at the time at Victory Gardens. After several years working regularly with the company, he branched off to other venues, including Royal Boulevards, which he founded with Gregory Williams. Juan ultimately returned to Latino Chicago Theater Company, eventually becoming its artistic director and moving the company to the basement of Wicker Park’s Flatiron building. Latino Chicago’s mission is to show Latino life and stories through a fusion of satire, comedy, commedia dell’arte, poetry, reimagined classics, heightened realism and a style of acting described as “cartooning.” In 1987, Latino Chicago renovated and moved to the Firehouse in Wicker Park, opening the space with a production of Nicholas Patricca’s THE FIFTH SUN. Juan championed the plays of Migdalia Cruz, (e.g., MIRIAM’S FLOWERS), eventually devoting an entire season to Cruz’s work. Another highlight at this time was a memorable production of Miguel Piñero’s drama SHORT EYES. Along with Latino Chicago productions, Juan welcomed other companies to use the Firehouse for everything from full productions to readings. He was known for being generous with his time, talents and space. Unfortunately, however, the Firehouse was destroyed by fire in 1997. After trying to keep Latino Chicago viable for a few more years, Juan moved into filmmaking and continued his pursuits as an actor and director. In 2002, his film “Exile” premiered at the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum. He worked extensively in films and TV, including “Adventures in Babysitting” and Andy Davis’ “The Package,” with his final credit being 2024’s “Emperor of Ocean Park.” Juan’s working-class parents emigrated from Mexico, moving through multiple Chicago neighborhoods during his childhood. Early on, he developed a love for “teleplays”; later, he became aware of politics and the “propagandized” aspects of American history, and those early experiences fueled his later work. Ramirez is survived by his wife, Angie, and children. Founder/Artistic Director of Mary-Arrchie Theatre Company Rick Cotovsky said about Juan: “Latino Chicago Theater was prolific and brought to life some amazing productions and developed some amazing talent and employed some of the most amazing talented designers and actors, and it was due in large part, if not in all part, to Juan Ramirez.” |