Latin History for Morons

A DRAMATISTS PLAY SERVICE TITLE

Latin History for Morons

Full-Length Play, Comedy  /  1 any gender (adult) plus ensemble

John Leguizamo

When John peruses his son’s history textbooks, he finds... nothing, at least when it comes to the impact of Latin culture. Excited to share his heritage, John dives deep, exploring everything from Mayans to modern-day heroes.

Image: 2017 Public Theater Production (Joan Marcus)

Latin History for Morons

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    1 any gender (adult) plus ensemble
  • Duration
    Duration
    90 minutes
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult
Accolades
Accolades

  • Winner! 2018 Special Tony Award

Latin History for Morons

Details

Summary

When John takes a peek at his son’s history textbooks, he is shocked to find… well nothing, at least when it comes to the impact of Latin culture over thousands of years. Excited to share his heritage with his son, John dives deep, exploring everything from the Mayans to modern-day heroes. To be performed by one person or an ensemble, this irreverent and laugh-out-loud journey into the richness of Latin heritage past and present will make you take a second look at history.

History

Latin History for Morons premiered off-Broadway at the Public Theater in February 2017. Directed by Tony Taccone, the production featured John Leguizamo. It then transferred to Broadway, debuting at Studio 54 on 19 October 2017.

Keywords
Performing Groups

Though Latin History for Morons was originally staged as a one-person show, and the stage directions in this script reflect a solo performance, the play may be done with any number of actors playing: 

JOHN

BUDDY
MOCTEZUMA
BULLY 
CORTES
BULLY’S DAD
STEPHEN HAWKING
MR. FLYNN
POPULACE
CRAZY LEGS 
AZTEC NOBLE
LIL JOHNNY 
AZTEC GENERAL
MOMMA 
WARRIOR
UNCLE SANNY
CONQUISTADOR
SANTAYANA 
DR. T
HINDU 
SIGMUND FREUD
SPANIARD 
PIZARRO
BOB ROSS 
FRIAR
LONG ISLAND MOM 
ATAHUALPA
KING PHILIP 
INCA
TEENY HEADMASTER
CHOLO CARIB 
ALABAMIAN MODERATOR
COLUMBUS 
BOO
MIKE TYSON 
ALEXANDER DE TOCQUEVILLE
SCOTTISH GUY 
ANDREW JACKSON
LAMB 
NATIVE

Though Latin History for Morons was originally staged as a one-person show, and the stage directions in this script reflect a solo performance, the play may be done with any number of actors. 

  • Time Period Present Day
  • Setting

    A classroom filled with props and a blackboard.

  • Features Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes
  • Additional Features No Intermission
  • Duration 90 minutes

Media

“In Mr. Leguizamo’s long and often hilarious parade of injustice… his jokes get at something deep.” – The New York Times

“Both informative and hysterically funny… Latin History for Morons is the most fun you’ll have in a classroom since Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You.” – The Wrap

“Latin History is boisterous and joyful but also laced with sorrow, with Leguizamo beautifully communicating feelings of invisibility, inherited trauma, and even grief.” – Entertainment Weekly

Videos

  • Latin History for Morons – John Leguizamo on The Late Show youtube thumbnail

    Latin History for Morons – John Leguizamo on The Late Show

  • Latin History for Morons – Netflix Trailer youtube thumbnail

    Latin History for Morons – Netflix Trailer

  • Latin History for Morons – Excerpt youtube thumbnail

    Latin History for Morons – Excerpt

Photos

  • Latin History for Morons

    Image: 2017 Public Theater Production (Joan Marcus)

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £85 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

Scripts

Available Formats:
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Authors

John Leguizamo

John Leguizamo
Emmy Award winner John Leguizamo has appeared in over 100 films and countless television shows while establishing a career that defies categorization. With boundless and visceral creativity, his work in film, theatre, television, and literature covers a variety of genres, con ...
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