A Triumph in Memory and Resilience
At the Anthony C. Acevedo Educational Foundation, our mission has always been clear - to preserve the memory of Anthony C. Acevedo, an unsung hero of World War II, and to ensure that the sacrifices and stories of The Forgotten Soldiers of Berga are never forgotten. To fulfill this mission, we sought a powerful and evocative medium that could bring these untold stories to life and captivate hearts and minds.
With immense pride and purpose, we initially commissioned the play "Undesirable Secrets" as a tribute to our father, Anthony Acevedo, the first Mexican American to register as a concentration camp survivor, and the remarkable resilience of the 350 American GIs captured during the Battle of the Bulge and sent to Berga an der Elster. The play served as a profound testament to the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity, unveiling the concealed chapters of history, amplifying the voices of the voiceless, and fostering empathy and understanding.
A Celebration of Success and Gratitude
The premiere read-through of the play marked a tremendous milestone in our journey. The exceptional talents and unwavering commitment of many made this event possible, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to the director, Dr. William Doll, and the actors who breathed life into these characters, especially Luis Muñoz, whose portrayal of Anthony was nothing short of brilliant, leaving an indelible mark on everyone present.
A special note of gratitude also goes to Leslie Met, Director of the Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio, Robin Long, the producer of the show, and Morgan Yoshimura of the San Antonio Public Library. Your dedication and support played an instrumental role in bringing this event to fruition.
With immense pride and purpose, we initially commissioned the play "Undesirable Secrets" as a tribute to our father, Anthony Acevedo, the first Mexican American to register as a concentration camp survivor, and the remarkable resilience of the 350 American GIs captured during the Battle of the Bulge and sent to Berga an der Elster. The play served as a profound testament to the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity, unveiling the concealed chapters of history, amplifying the voices of the voiceless, and fostering empathy and understanding.
A Celebration of Success and Gratitude
The premiere read-through of the play marked a tremendous milestone in our journey. The exceptional talents and unwavering commitment of many made this event possible, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to the director, Dr. William Doll, and the actors who breathed life into these characters, especially Luis Muñoz, whose portrayal of Anthony was nothing short of brilliant, leaving an indelible mark on everyone present.
A special note of gratitude also goes to Leslie Met, Director of the Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio, Robin Long, the producer of the show, and Morgan Yoshimura of the San Antonio Public Library. Your dedication and support played an instrumental role in bringing this event to fruition.
Director, Dr. William Doll
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Cast of Undesirable Secrets: Left to Right: Phil Marzec, Pete Kuzov, AJ Erives, Luiz Munoz, Bryce Real, Scott Liebowitz, Brian Hodges, and Dolores Godonez. Kneeling: Robin Robinson, Eric Joshua Valle, Arianna Gonzalez, and Angela Cavada.
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A New Chapter Unfolds
After the success of the read-through, it became clear that the immediacy and emotional intensity of Anthony’s story could be heightened even further by transforming the play into a monodrama. By allowing Anthony himself to portray not only his journey but also the other characters who influenced his life, the storytelling became more intimate, the stakes more personal, and the moments more immediate. This shift to a monodrama places the audience directly in Anthony’s shoes, enabling them to experience the profound weight of his experiences in a more visceral way. The monodrama format also underscores the isolation Anthony felt as he struggled to carry the heavy burden of his secrets—a choice that adds even greater depth and resonance to the narrative.
"Undesirable Secrets" is now a gripping monodrama that continues to honor the memory of Anthony Acevedo and The Forgotten Soldiers of Berga. It is not just a theatrical piece; it is a powerful way to ensure that their memory remains vivid and impactful, resonating with audiences across generations.
As we reflect on the success of the initial read-through, we are excited to share the next steps in our journey. We are thrilled to announce an innovative new direction for "Undesirable Secrets." The play is being rewritten by Rodolfo Alvarado as a powerful monodrama, bringing a fresh, intimate perspective to our father's incredible story.
This revamped version will have its first read-through and workshop in Santa Fe, New Mexico, at the end of August 2024. We are working diligently to refine and perfect this monodrama, with plans for performances throughout 2025. We invite you to join us on this remarkable journey: to remember, to learn, and to celebrate the enduring spirit of resilience that "Undesirable Secrets" brings to life. Stay tuned for more updates and performance dates as we bring this inspiring story to new audiences across the nation!
After the success of the read-through, it became clear that the immediacy and emotional intensity of Anthony’s story could be heightened even further by transforming the play into a monodrama. By allowing Anthony himself to portray not only his journey but also the other characters who influenced his life, the storytelling became more intimate, the stakes more personal, and the moments more immediate. This shift to a monodrama places the audience directly in Anthony’s shoes, enabling them to experience the profound weight of his experiences in a more visceral way. The monodrama format also underscores the isolation Anthony felt as he struggled to carry the heavy burden of his secrets—a choice that adds even greater depth and resonance to the narrative.
"Undesirable Secrets" is now a gripping monodrama that continues to honor the memory of Anthony Acevedo and The Forgotten Soldiers of Berga. It is not just a theatrical piece; it is a powerful way to ensure that their memory remains vivid and impactful, resonating with audiences across generations.
As we reflect on the success of the initial read-through, we are excited to share the next steps in our journey. We are thrilled to announce an innovative new direction for "Undesirable Secrets." The play is being rewritten by Rodolfo Alvarado as a powerful monodrama, bringing a fresh, intimate perspective to our father's incredible story.
This revamped version will have its first read-through and workshop in Santa Fe, New Mexico, at the end of August 2024. We are working diligently to refine and perfect this monodrama, with plans for performances throughout 2025. We invite you to join us on this remarkable journey: to remember, to learn, and to celebrate the enduring spirit of resilience that "Undesirable Secrets" brings to life. Stay tuned for more updates and performance dates as we bring this inspiring story to new audiences across the nation!