Felipillo

For the 2025 Beacon Theatre Award, we received 230 play submissions that spotlights critical moments of the past to show the way to a better future. The winning play was “Felipillo” by Tyler Rocio Ecoña. 

Based on the true history of a Native servant who translated for Spanish conquistadors during the invasion of the Inca Empire, we follow Felipillo and a chorus of historians examining his legacy through a time-bending reconstruction of his life. Exactly how much was lost in translation? Who determines what goes down in history, and is it possible to re-write?

Join us for a staged reading of Felipillo, directed by Erlina Ortiz. The evening also includes a short excerpt from Tino Juarez’ play “Bound by Blood” about indigenous activist Wassaja (Dr. Carlos Montezuma) and a talkback with the audience.