Of Love and Resistance

Of Love and Resistance is a collaborative play written by Eric Avilés, created with 87-year-old Tomas Gaete and his son Claudio Gaete. Inspired by Tomas and his late wife Sonia’s experiences during the 1973 Chilean Coup, the play explores Tomas’s imprisonment as a political activist and Sonia’s resilience in fighting for his freedom.

Drawing from letters exchanged while Tomas was imprisoned, conversations with other family members and Chilean exiles, and research on U.S. involvement in the coup, Of Love and Resistance invites dialogue on democracy by shedding light on the human cost of authoritarianism, and seeks to engage communities shaped by political oppression, struggle, and migration.

Join us after the reading for a brief panel disscussion to dive deeper into the themes. This event is a celebration of creativity, passion, and the enduring spirit of love.

Seats are limited. Get your tickets now!

Cast (in alphabetical order)

Moisés Acevedo
*Arlene Chico-Lugo
Priscilla Flores
*Jose Antonio Melián
*Juan Villa

Directed by Edward Torres

*Actors appear courtesy of Actors Equity Association

Art credit: Carlos Cortez

*This project is made possible in part with funds from Creative Engagement, a regrant program(s) supported by the funding agencies,The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) in partnership with the City Council: The New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, the Howard Gilman Foundation, and administered by LMCC.