Theater as a Catalyst for Unity: Rodolfo Alvarado on His New Play, Undesirable Secrets
Welcome, and thanks for joining me for a thought-provoking discussion with eclectic
writer and Michigan resident Rodolfo Alvarado. In this interview we’ll be discussing how
theater and storytelling can promote unity, inspire healing, and address critical global
issues, all exemplified in his impactful new play, Undesirable Secrets.
Rodolfo, a masterful storyteller and advocate for the power of the written word, has
graced the literary world with his profound narratives. I had the privilege of connecting
with Rodolfo through our shared passion for writing, and his work continues to leave a
lasting impact.
In his body of work, Rodolfo has skillfully crafted thought-provoking stories that
transcend boundaries. His tales resonate with both adults and young readers,
showcasing his versatile storytelling abilities. However, our focus today is on Undesirable
Secrets, a powerful and emotionally resonant play that delves into the untold story of
Anthony Acevedo, a WWII medic, who along with the Forgotten Soldiers of Berga were
held in a concentration camp.
This compelling narrative not only serves as a beacon of hope and resilience but also
underscores the importance of unity and harmony in today's world. A read-through of
Undesirable Secrets has been chosen as the closing event of the Holocaust Memorial
Museum of San Antonio and the San Antonio Public library's annual Remembrance
Month. Additionally, on the evening prior, an event will unite and celebrate the Jewish and
Latino communities of San Antonio, emphasizing the play's message of unity in the face
of adversity. The celebration of the Jewish and Latino communities will take place at El
Progreso Hall at 7:00 pm and the read-through at the Barshop Jewish Community Center
at 2:00 pm.
SJ: Before we delve into your latest work, could you tell us a bit about your background as a playwright and some of your previous projects?
RA: I've been involved in theater and playwriting for several years, and aside from my PhD in Liberal Studies, I also hold an MFA in Playwriting, both from Texas Tech University. Some of my previous works have explored diverse themes, from family dynamics to cultural identity. One of my recent projects, a young adult novel titled Junior’s Dream, delves into the experiences of border
communities, highlighting the human stories often overshadowed by political discourse.
SJ: That sounds like important and compelling work.
RA: It is. I am thankful to those who wrote to tell me that the story has touched them
and their families.
SJ: Now, let's talk about your latest project, Undesirable Secrets. Could you
provide my readers with an overview of the play and its central themes?
RA: Absolutely. Undesirable Secrets is a powerful and emotionally resonant play that
brings to life the untold story of Anthony Acevedo, a heroic World War II medic and
Holocaust survivor, as well as the Forgotten Soldiers of Berga. The play explores
themes of discrimination, resilience, mental and physical abuse, and the enduring spirit
of the human soul.
SJ: I understand that Anthony holds a significant place in our nation’s history.
RA: He does. Anthony was the first Mexican American to register as a concentration
camp survivor and his was the first diary written in a concentration camp by an
American that was donated to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
SJ: I must say that the title, Undesirable Secrets piqued my interest when I first heard it.
Why did you choose that?
RA: The Nazis wanted 350 Army Jewish GIs to send to Berga and when that number was not met they selected “undesirables” at random to fulfill that quota, and once these GIs were liberated the Army made them sign a security certificate that forbade them from telling anyone that they were held in a concentration camp, thus, the title, Undesirable Secrets. However, in Anthony’s case, there is the added layer of the
undesirable secrets he kept related to the mental and physical abuse he suffered at the
hands of his father, Francisco.
SJ: It sounds like a deeply impactful story. How does Undesirable Secrets relate to the
current crisis in Israel and the broader geopolitical challenges we're witnessing today?
RA: While Undesirable Secrets is set against the backdrop of World War II, its themes are
unfortunately timeless. The play addresses the universal themes of discrimination,
persecution, and the resilience of the human spirit, which are tragically relevant in many
contexts, including the current crisis in Israel. It underscores the need for unity,
dialogue, and understanding, especially during challenging times.
SJ: You mentioned that Undesirable Secrets was selected as the closing event for the
Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio's Remembrance Month. Could you share
how the play's message aligns with the goals of this annual event?
RA: Certainly. The Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio's Remembrance Month
aims to honor the memory of Holocaust victims and educate the public about the
atrocities of that time. Undesirable Secrets aligns with these goals by shedding light on
lesser-known aspects of the Holocaust, particularly the experiences of the Forgotten
Soldiers of Berga. It underscores the importance of remembrance and the enduring
need to learn from history.
SJ: The event on January 20, 2024, celebrating the Jewish and Latino communities of
San Antonio, sounds like a significant gathering. How do you envision it contributing to
unity and understanding, particularly in the context of today's global challenges?
RA: The event on January 20, 2024, is a remarkable opportunity to bring together the
diverse Jewish and Latino communities of San Antonio. It celebrates their shared
cultural heritage and values, fostering dialogue and collaboration. In a world facing
complex geopolitical challenges, such events promote diversity and solidarity,
emphasizing the importance of coming together as a community.
SJ: How do you believe theater and storytelling, as exemplified in Undesirable
Secrets, can contribute to discussions on important global issues, promote healing, and
ultimately inspire unity?
RA: Theater and storytelling have a unique power to engage audiences on both
emotional and intellectual levels. They allow us to empathize with others and see the
world through their eyes. By addressing vital global issues through theater, we can
ignite meaningful conversations, encourage healing, and ultimately work towards a
more united and compassionate world. Undesirable Secrets serves as a testament to
the enduring strength of the human spirit, reminding us of the power of resilience and
unity, especially during challenging times.
SJ: What inspired you to write Undesirable Secrets, and how did you become interested
in the story of Anthony Acevedo and the Forgotten Soldiers of Berga?
RA: I was initially introduced to Anthony's story through a chance encounter. Learning
about his experiences as a World War II medic and concentration camp survivor, I was
struck by the remarkable depth of his journey and the need to bring it to a wider
audience. His story of survival, resilience, and the burden of long-held secrets resonated
deeply with me, and I felt compelled to give it a voice through theater.
SJ: Can you describe your creative process when writing the play? Did you face any
challenges or unique experiences during its development?
RA: Writing Undesirable Secrets was a deeply immersive experience. I embarked on
extensive research, delving into historical archives and conducting interviews to capture
the authenticity of the era. Crafting the narrative required balancing the horrors of war
and captivity with moments of humanity and hope. While challenging, this process
allowed me to explore the complexities of Anthony's journey in a meaningful way.
SJ: Undesirable Secrets explores complex themes like survival, identity, and resilience.
How did you approach these themes while crafting the narrative?
RA: These themes were at the forefront of my mind throughout the writing process. I
aimed to depict the inner and outer struggles of the characters authentically,
emphasizing the human spirit's capacity to endure even in the bleakest of
circumstances. Anthony's journey served as a lens through which I explored the broader
themes of identity and resilience in the face of adversity.
SJ: As the playwright, what message or emotions do you hope the audience takes away
from watching the play?
RA: I hope that audiences are deeply moved by Undesirable Secrets. I aim to evoke a
range of emotions, from empathy and compassion to reflection and inspiration.
Ultimately, I want viewers to leave the theater with a renewed appreciation for the
strength of the human spirit and a commitment to preserving the memory of historical
events like those depicted in the play.
SJ: Were there any specific moments or scenes in the play that were particularly
meaningful or challenging to write?
RA: One of the most meaningful scenes for me was the revelation of Anthony's secrets
when he was a little boy. Can you imagine the suffering he went through at the hands of
the Nazis was nothing compared to the suffering he went through at the hands of his
father. Writing these pivotal moments, where he finally shares his experiences after
decades of silence, was emotionally charged and challenging. It required capturing the
weight of his memories and the catharsis of disclosure.
SJ: How does your background and personal experiences influence your writing,
especially when tackling historical and emotionally charged subjects like the Holocaust
and World War II?
RA: My background as a playwright is deeply intertwined with my passion for
storytelling and history. Drawing from personal experiences and a love for research, I
strive to bring authenticity and depth to my work. Tackling emotionally charged subjects
like the Holocaust requires a profound sense of responsibility to honor the memory of
those who lived through it.
SJ: Can you share any insights into your collaboration with the Acevedo family and the Anthony C. Acevedo Foundation in bringing this story to life on the stage?
RA: Collaborating with Rebeca Acevedo-Carlin and Ernesto Acevedo, Anthony’s
daughter and son, has been a privilege. Their dedication to preserving Anthony's
memory and the legacy of the Forgotten Soldiers of Berga has been a driving force
behind the play's development. Their personal insights and unwavering support have
enriched the storytelling and deepened the connection to the narrative. I am proud to
say that I look upon them as family.
SJ: Fernando Acevedo, one of Anthony’s sons who you describe as the champion of his
father’s story, passed away before you completed the play. What impact did that have
on the play?
RA: Fernando’s passing was quite unexpected. We’d been working together on the story for a couple of years, and suddenly, he was gone. There’s not a day that I do not think of him and ask myself if I am staying true to a son’s love of his father and his father’s legacy. In every instance, I can say that I have. May he rest in peace. I miss him.
SJ: Could you tell us about any future plans related to the play, such as potential
productions or adaptations?
RA: We are actively working towards producing Undesirable Secrets in various locations, including San Antonio, Los Angeles and New York. Our hope is to share this important story on a larger scale, potentially even adapting it into a film. We are committed to ensuring that Anthony's legacy endures through multiple mediums.
SJ: Finally, what advice do you have for aspiring playwrights who are passionate about telling untold stories and historical narratives through theater?
RA: My advice to aspiring playwrights is to immerse themselves in their subjects, conduct thorough research, and approach storytelling with authenticity and empathy. Be open to collaboration and the insights of others, and never underestimate the power of theater to shed light on untold stories that deserve to be heard.
SJ: Thank you, Rodolfo, for sharing your insights into Undesirable Secrets and the
powerful role of theater in addressing global issues.
RA: You’re welcome, SJ, and thanks again for all the support you provide authors!
If you would like to learn more about Rodolfo, please visit his website at www.rodolfoalvarado.com.
