In the face of political correctness and the feminist movement, renowned stand-up comedian, scriptwriter and satirist Rick Najera dares to proclaim—tongue in cheek, of course—that machos are regular guys, too. In The Pain of the Macho, Najera has assembled an ensemble cast of quintessential Latin lovers or wannabes who pour out their souls in side-splitting monologues. But the zing in the punch line hits us when we realize that melodramatic, teary-eyed spiels lead sly insights into the dilemma faced by not just Latino men but all those who must exist at the margins of two intersecting cultural spheres. The other two plays included in this wildly entertaining collection are A Quiet Love and Latinologues.
“Najera proves a skillful, perceptive writer… Najera never settles for facile half truths promoting a common Latino experience.”
—Los Angeles Times
“[Najera is] one of the most exciting and talented Latino writers of his generation.”
—Library Journal
Rick Najera has earned recognition as one of Hollywood’s top comedy writers, but is probably best known to audiences as one of the original members of the hilarious sketch-comedy group, Latins Anonymous. He began his career in theater, performing on some of America’s leading classical stages. This experience led him to starring and recurring roles on television, including appearances on General Hospital, China Beach, Falcon Crest and Columbo. Najera soon became a playwright/performer and produced such instant hits as Latins Anonymous, The Pain of the Macho, and Latinologues. In 1996, he co-wrote Latins Anonymous: Plays (Arte Público Press) and in 1997 he published The Pain of the Macho and Other Plays (Arte Público Press). Despite his numerous successes and commitments, the multi-faceted Najera remains committed to live performances, touring his one-man show, The Pain of the Macho, around the country.