The audience listens as CSUN faculty members speak about the play prior to the performance in the Plaza del Sol Performance Hall in the University Student Union. (Anthony J. Brown/CSUN)

The story about Ruben Salazar is largely told through the experiences of a young college professor, Lucero Trevino, played by Melody Zamora (left) who is writing about the groundbreaking journalist. Salazar, played by Alex Bravo (right) comes to life to guide the story, as well as exchange views about culture, pride and activism. (Anthony J. Brown/CSUN)

A scene from the demonstration featured in “August 29.” (Anthony J. Brown/CSUN)

Many of the scenes were flashbacks to Salazar’s life— including a conversation with a fellow journalist (played by Sergio Mota), about his role in providing cultural context in his columns for the Los Angeles Times. (Anthony J. Brown/CSUN)

Live music was also a feature of the show. (Anthony J. Brown/CSUN)

The Latino Theater Company, along with the Los Angeles City College Theatre Academy, brought history to life at CSUN on Sept. 26 with a moving performance of “August 29.” The play honors journalist Ruben Salazar, whose death during the 1970 Chicano Moratorium galvanized a generation.

The show was part of CSUN’s events and celebrations for Hispanic Heritage Month, which are themed Nuestra Gente, Raíces y Cultura (Our People, Roots and Culture). The performance that took place in the Plaza del Sol Performance Hall in the University Student Union invited students, faculty and staff to reflect on resilience, activism and cultural pride.

The play explores the life and legacy of journalist Ruben Salazar, a Los Angeles Times columnist and news director for television station KMEX. Salazar was killed Aug. 29, 1970, in East Los Angeles, by a tear gas canister launched by L.A. Sheriff’s deputies during a demonstration against the Vietnam War.

This production of “August 29” has been presented at community colleges around Los Angeles and at CSUN as part of Latino Theater Company’s Impact Initiative program that provides students with free access to plays and other theater events. Check out more of the performance in photos.

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The post Performance Honors Chicano Legacy and Slain Journalist for Hispanic Heritage Month first appeared on CSUN Newsroom.