José Casas shares his journey from wanting to be a politician, lawyer, and the first Latinx governor of California (pre-law at UCSB) to find a path for social justice and change in playwriting & theatre for youth (MFA at Arizona State University).
"I'm an issue-based playwright. I don't come up with characters & stories. I look at what's happening in the world that's pissing me off. Whether immigration, homelessness or the water crisis in Flint Michigan are the inspirations."
"When I write for youth I'm writing for the most important audience that we have."
"When I was growing up, I didn't have the arts. I wish I had."
"I'm writing & fighting to change the paradigm."
José shares his rasquachismo workshop and classroom practices that show students that they can create from what they have at hand--a lot or nothing.
For José, Los Homies and Funko Pop figurines are less about being a toy and more about being art.
"When it comes to Latinx figurines and comic book superheroes. . .Our brown superheroes are important especially now, not only El Diablo and Blue Beetle but also those of our community working at the frontlines of the pandemic."
