By AARON KRAUSE

Alex Gonzalez is “thrilled to be back where I belong – creating art and building something meaningful through theater.”

Specifically, the Miami native is building Latiné Theater Lab, one of South Florida’s newest nonprofit, professional theater companies. The group is preparing for its debut production: Mud by Maria Irene Fornés. The play will run from May 29 to June 14 at Latiné Theater Lab’s current home, Empire Stage on North Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale.

Gonzalez, an aspiring professional director, describes the opportunity as surreal.

“I first read Mud last July, so it’s surreal to now be bringing it to life,” he says. “I’ve spent months dreaming about what this show could be, and I feel so fortunate to make that vision a reality with this cast and creative team.”

The 17-scene play blends horror and experimental drama, offering what Gonzalez calls “a haunting, unforgettable experience.” He describes it as ideal for fans of Fornés, the unexpected, and those seeking “unforgettable nights out.” At its core, Mud is about a woman’s search for freedom.

The production marks the first of two planned for Latiné Theater Lab’s inaugural season. The second, Last of the Red Hot Robots by local playwright Brian Harries, will run Sept. 4–27. The latter is a science fiction adventure.

A Mission-Driven Launch

Latiné Theater Lab aims to stage at least two full productions per season, primarily casting local talent and showcasing work by Latiné artists. Gonzalez, a first-generation LGBTQIA+ Cuban American from Miami, says the company grew out of passion and purpose.

“I wanted to return to theater and build my career as a director,” he says. “As I explored how I could grow within South Florida’s theater scene, it became clear that creating a company was the right next step.”

He saw a gap in the region’s live theater scene—a lack of companies dedicated solely to Latiné stories and artists. In response, Latiné Theater Lab was born, with a mission to:

“Create a dynamic platform for Latiné voices, celebrating our diverse cultural heritage through innovative and impactful storytelling. Through a commitment to artistic excellence, collaboration, and authenticity, we strive to enrich the cultural landscape, foster community engagement, and inspire meaningful connections.”

The nonprofit officially launched in February and is in its “startup phase,” Gonzalez says.

Building a Creative Team

Joining Gonzalez is Andrew Rodriguez-Triana, the company’s resident designer and a longtime collaborator.

“When I started envisioning who I’d want to help bring these plays to life, I immediately thought of Andrew,” Gonzalez says. “His artistry, attention to detail, and ability to both design and build beautiful work have been essential in launching our first season.”

Gonzalez emphasizes that although he is the founder, the company is very much a team effort.

“From the cast, to interns, to the other creatives lending their expertise, it doesn’t feel like a one-person operation,” he says. “I even have some students I taught in high school helping me.”

He also credits Andy Rogow, Artistic Director of Island City Stage, as a mentor.

“He’s helped me think through marketing, audience development, and the logistics of starting a theater company,” Gonzalez says.

While Latiné Theater Lab is currently nomadic, it has found a temporary home at Empire Stage.

“I wanted a venue that could support the technical needs of our shows,” Gonzalez says. “David Gordon at Empire Stage has been incredibly supportive during this phase.”

An Open Door for Local Talent

Actors from anywhere can audition, but Gonzalez emphasizes his commitment to South Florida talent.

“I made a deliberate choice not to have a fixed company of actors,” he says. “There is so much talent in this region, and I want to celebrate that by welcoming all actors to audition.”

A Director’s Journey

Gonzalez has been involved in theater since childhood, staging living room performances and falling in love with the art in middle school.

“What excites me about theater is that it’s a living, breathing art form,” he says. “It evolves every night – shaped by the energy of the audience and the performers.”

He studied theater at the University of Miami, initially as an actor. But his focus shifted after directing a production of Aida at a children’s theater.

“It helped me realize that I’m a visual storyteller,” he says.

His directing credits include:

• Songs for a New World at Main Street Players
• Godspell, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Seussical, and Eurydice at Doral Academy Prep
• Reefer Madness and Pippin at Quantum Entertainment
• Antigone at UM Studio Theater
  He also assistant-directed Evil Dead: The Musical at Promethean Theater and Baby with the Bathwater at UM Ring Theater.

Following college, Gonzalez worked for Disney Parks and Resorts and Royal Caribbean, later returning home to teach theater for three years. Though he cherished his time with students, teaching wasn’t a long-term fit. After a stint in human resources, the pull of the stage proved too strong.

“Eventually, I took the leap back into directing because I knew there was still so much I wanted to explore artistically.”

Two questions guided him through the transition:

If not you, then who?
If not now, then when?

“It’s never easy to take that leap, but it’s always worth it when you’re following your passion,” Gonzalez says. “Do what scares you—that’s where the real fun is.”

IF YOU GO
What: Latiné Theater Lab’s debut production of Mud by Maria Irene Fornés
When: May 29–June 14 (Thursday through Sunday performances)
Where: Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale
Tickets: $15–$35 ($15–$25 on Thursdays)
Info & Tickets: https://www.instagram.com/latinetheaterlab/. You can also go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/latine-theater-lab-mud-by-maria-irene-fornes-tickets-1219928181029?aff=oddtdcreator. Or, visit www.latinetheaterlab.com.