Reviews

Los Vendidos by Luis Valdez

tel5's review

reflective medium-paced

4.0

lucidstyle's review

5.0

The conflict in this play is the Mexican immigrant or the Mexican American citizen and the assumptions pertaining to him by American society and culture. The play acts this out by placing a secretary from the governor of California (Ronald Reagan) in a “used Mexican” and “Mexican Curio” shop, looking for the perfect Mexican for the American public.

Characterizations are tongue-in-cheek satires depicting a variety of Mexican stereotypes. They are on display for the customer, reflecting how the American people typically see their Latino citizens. While the setting is simplistic and the characterizations and acting are meant to be humorous, the play draws overt attention to the stereotypes and the discrimination experienced by Mexican Americans and Mexican immigrants. The title, meaning the “sellouts,” emphasizes the characters who sell out their different models, the sterotypical varieties, of Mexicans to the American public for personal gain. It also stresses the willingness on the part of politicians and political organizations to buy in to these models, perpetuating the wrong thinking and not making changes to the sytemic problems that disallow these Americans from being true to themselves.

hihannah33's review

reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.5

sfredric's review

dark funny reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0

bamwhamshazam's review

4.0

Satire done right. The author set out with a purpose and meaning for his writing in his head and perfectly executed his goal. I must confess that I did find myself chuckling at a couple of the jokes in this play. Probably my favorite thing about this work is the amount of significance and meaning it is able to put into just a few pages. The deliberate conciseness of the work forces the author’s words and meaning to shine and accurately portray poignant messages of the effects of racism and whitewashing of Hispanic culture. Additionally, the plot twist at the end is probably one of drama and literature’s best kept secrets because it is so great and more people should know about this one act play.

chaoticbyrddemon's review

reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

It's a very quick read, but it's very thoughtful provoking. From a white perspective, I find it interesting. I'm a little confused on the ending but the way the play handles stereotypes works really well. I like how at the end it switches the roles, thought I'm not entirely sure the meaning behind it. 

authorbaileyday's review

funny informative reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

nataliereallylovestoread's review

Note to self: read in first semester of freshman year for Theatre + Society

lukastw's review

5.0

I truly laughed out loud and wished it was longer. This is a fascinating read on Chicanx theatre. I love the whole concept of the product that they sell here. And the plot twist at the end was just amazing. I really enjoyed this, and it sadly rings true today. I do love the Governor Reagan mentioning...