The 2024 Encuentro festival, hosted by the Latino Theater Company at the L.A. Theater Center, marks its fourth iteration and tenth anniversary, featuring the theme 'We Are Here — Presente!' with performances from 19 groups.

Running until November 10, 2024, the festival showcases a vibrant array of productions, featuring between seven and twelve performances nightly from various Latino theater companies across the U.S., Mexico, and Puerto Rico.

Attendees are particularly excited about productions like 'Cabarex 2: RevoLUZiones' and 'La Golondrina,' which highlight diverse narratives from the Latino experience.

Kelly Flores, a librarian and festival attendee, notes the festival's significant impact on her family's appreciation of theater, emphasizing the relevance of the stories being told.

Photographer Guadalupe Ramirez appreciates the presence of young audiences at the festival, underscoring the importance of Latinos telling their own stories in theater.

Juan Garcia and David Freire view the Latino Theater Company as an accessible entry point into theater, praising the affordability and relevance of the productions offered.

Angelica Reyes, a teacher, expresses her surprise at the cultural authenticity of the theater's ambiance, which challenges her expectations of a typical downtown theater.

Reyes is particularly drawn to the play 'Ayotzinapa (Situación Desaparecido),' which addresses the disappearance of 43 students in Mexico, reflecting her desire to see her stories represented on stage.

First-time participants Giorgia Valenti and Carlos Armesto from Pitchblack Immersive Experiences are presenting their play 'Odd Man Out,' focusing on a blind Argentine musician's journey.

Armesto expresses a desire to continue engaging with the festival community, noting the supportive and collaborative atmosphere among artists.

Backstage at the L.A. Theater Center, preparations are underway for the evening shows, with cast and crew finalizing their roles and technical setups.

As the festival continues, patrons are encouraged to experience the diverse range of productions that reflect the Latino community's rich narratives.