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Before Sonia Sotomayor, there was Dolores “Lolita” Lebron. Born in Puerto Rico, the nationalist figure’s actions in support of liberation for the island provoked controversies more fervent than ‘wise Latina’ remarks. Lebron, a former beauty queen, joined the New York Chapter of the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party during the 1940’s after having moved to the United States. She quickly became its secretary and also went on to hold the presidency of the party’s Feminine Chapter of the Pro-Liberation Committee. From then on, Lebron’s life was dedicated to the cause of freeing Puerto Rico from the United States which held the island as a commonwealth. Seeing the relationship more in colonial terms, she most dramatically participated in the 1954 attack on the U.S. House of Representatives screaming, “Que Viva Puerto Rico Libre.” The act led Lebron and her fellow nationalists to be convicted and given lengthy prison sentences as result. She would ultimately be pardoned, however, and released from jail by President Jimmy Carter. The dramatic story of Lolita Lebron’s life will be encapsulated by the latest world premiere by the Breath of Fire Latina Theater Ensemble. Written by Rene Solivan and directed by Jesus Reyes, “Miss Lebron,” which opens this Friday, chronicles the Puerto Rican nationalist leader’s personal and political struggles for independence.

GUESTS: Rene Solivan, Playwright, Sara Guerrero, Producer and Artistic Director, Linda Garcia, Actress portraying Lolita Lebron

Show Times:
Friday, Sept 4 through Saturday, Sept 26
Friday & Saturday at 8pm
Sunday at 3pm (Sept 13 & 20, only).

There will be an opening night reception on Sept 4 with hors d’oeuvres and a champagne reception and talk-back to follow performance with the playwright and director.

Tickets for opening night are $20
For all other nights – General Admission $15
Senior / Student (w/valid ID) $10

For Reservations please call (714) 600-0129 or visit: www.breathoffire.org/reservations.htm