Aguij?n Theater Company of Chicago was founded in 1989 by actress/director and current Artistic Director Rosario Vargas. Incorporated and established as a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization on August 22, 1990, Aguij?n is dedicated to promoting cultural exploration, discussion and performance of Spanish-language and bilingual works as well as increasing creative and economic opportunities for local Latino and non-Latino actors, directors and theater workers and to provide a forum in which to showcase their talents. From the beginning, to make works more accessible to a larger audience, Aguij?n has produced bilingual or simultaneously translated productions while, continuing its mission of producing Spanish-language works. Until 1999, Aguij?n resided at Truman College. The company functioned as a traveling troupe, taking its productions to different schools, libraries, community centers, etc. throughout the city and surrounding suburbs. This setup helped to introduce the company and its work to various groups who would otherwise not have access to live theater or knowledge of the company's existence. Now that Aguij?n has a permanent theater, the bonds and the awareness created during its traveling days have helped it cultivate a varied audience which comes from many of the city's neighborhoods to see its shows. With nearly twenty years of existence and through continuous work, Aguij?n Theater Company of Chicago has established itself as one of the best known and respected companies, not just in the Latino community, but in the Chicago area and nationwide.

Aguij?n?s mission is to promote and foster theater which addresses social issues affecting the U.S. Latino community and the general population, and to build bridges of communication and understanding among the new Latino generations, instilling in them pride in the richness of their cultural heritage. The Company produces classic and contemporary plays and, through artistic collaborations, literary adaptations and original works, exposes Latino and non-Latino audiences to high quality Spanish-language theatre for educational and literary purposes. Aguij?n Theater is dedicated to creating exciting and meaningful theatrical experiences through the cultural exploration, discussion and performance of high quality Spanish-language and bilingual works. With impactful artistic work, Aguij?n promotes diversity by challenging and inspiring its audiences to surmount idiomatic barriers and to cross cultural boundaries. Aguij?n does not discriminate based on nationality, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or political creed. The Company strives to increase creative and economic opportunities for actors, directors and theater workers of different racial and ethnic backgrounds and provide a forum in which to showcase their talents.

Aguij?n's programming consists of theatrical productions, theater workshops for high school students and the general public, and a monthly lecture series. This year's programming will also include special programming in celebration of Aguij?n Theater's 20th year anniversary. The majority of the programs are conducted either in Spanish or in a bilingual setting, highlight issues relevant to the Latino community, and often feature works by or based on Latino writers. The theater reaches over 3000 audience members each year through its regular productions, and another 800 people through its workshops and lectures.