“The Last Angry Brown Hat” Takes Stage At Plaza de la Raza
The Last Angry Brown Hat brings together four former members of the Brown Berets.
It’s been over three decades since the groundbreaking play The Last Angry Brown Hat first took the stage, and now it’s back at its birthplace, Plaza de la Raza in Lincoln Heights, where it first captivated audiences.
As the 32nd anniversary approaches, director Kenneth Castillo reflects on the significance of this return.
“It’s the 32nd anniversary, and I couldn’t think of a better place to bring it back than at Plaza de la Raza, the birthplace of the play,” Castillo says. “It’s been a career highlight of mine getting to work with Chicano actors whose work I’ve admired throughout my entire film career.”
Castillo is joined by a stellar cast that includes Vic Treviño (American Me), Randy Vasquez (Bosch), Daniel Mora (SWAT), and Danny De La Paz (Boulevard Nights), each of whom brings unmatched dedication, emotion, and honesty to their roles.
The production will have its opening night on February 21, 2025, with additional performances on February 22, 24, 27, 28, and March 1. The Margo Albert Theatre at Plaza de la Raza in Los Angeles will host the limited engagement, running for just two weeks
.The play, written by East Los Angeles playwright Alfredo Ramos, first won the 1993 Plaza de la Raza Nuevo LA Chicano Playwrights Competition. The Last Angry Brown Hat went on to receive national acclaim, including a 60-city tour from 1996 to 1999, and a special performance at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in 1999 as part of its Latino Heritage program.
Set against the backdrop of a funeral, The Last Angry Brown Hat brings together four former members of the Brown Berets—a powerful 1960s militant Chicano civil rights organization—who reunite to reflect on their shared history and their struggles for justice and equality.
The poignant dialogue, laced with moments of humor, digs deep into the emotional complexity of activism, friendship, and the enduring impact of the Chicano movement. The play’s relevance also continues to resonate today, reminding audiences of the sacrifices made during the civil rights movement for equality and dignity.
The Last Angry Brown Hat provides an opportunity for younger generations to connect with the pivotal moments of the 1960s and 1970s that shaped American history. With themes that still hold weight in today’s conversations about race, community, and activism, the play serves as a powerful reminder of how far we've come—and how much work remains to be done.
Event Details:
Tickets: The Last Angry Brown Hat by Alfredo Ramos
When: February 21 through March 1, 2025
Where: Plaza de la Raza - Margo Albert Theatre, Los Angeles, CA