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March 11, 2025: A Journey to Lubbock: Honoring Anthony’s Legacy Through Theater and Community
As the daughter of Anthony Acevedo, my heart is filled with gratitude and anticipation as my husband, Peter, and I prepare to travel to Lubbock for two very special performances of Undesirable Secrets. This powerful production, written and performed by the immensely talented Rodolfo Alvarado, brings my father’s story to life in a way that words alone cannot express. The upcoming performances at the Lubbock Civic Center as part of the Viva Aztlan Festival and at the Firehouse Theatre are not just theatrical events; they are moments of remembrance, honor, and deep personal significance for our family.
From the moment Rodolfo took on the challenge of telling my father’s story, he has approached it with an unwavering commitment to truth, dignity, and artistic excellence. His performance—one that captures my father’s pain, resilience, and unbreakable spirit—has left audiences profoundly moved, and I have no doubt that Lubbock will experience the same.
We are incredibly grateful to William Doll, our director, script, and production consultant, as well as Pete Kuzov, our script consultant, for the dedication and care they have poured into shaping this show. Their expertise has been instrumental in crafting a performance that is both historically accurate and emotionally compelling.
I also want to express my deepest appreciation to Zenaida Aguero and the entire team behind the Viva Aztlan Festival for inviting Undesirable Secrets to be part of such a meaningful cultural celebration. My father’s story is one that belongs to history, to the Latino community, to the veteran community, and to all those who believe in the power of remembrance. To see it honored alongside the breathtaking artistry of Folklorico dancers at the festival is a reminder of how storytelling, in all its forms, brings us together across generations and traditions.
Peter and I are looking forward to not only seeing this incredible performance but also connecting with the people of Lubbock. This city is the birthplace of Rodolfo’s artistic journey, and now it becomes a place where my father’s voice will be heard once more.
We hope to see you there as we come together to remember, reflect, and honor the sacrifices of my father and the Forgotten Soldiers of Berga.
— Rebeca Acevedo-Carlin
President, Anthony Acevedo Educational Foundation
From the moment Rodolfo took on the challenge of telling my father’s story, he has approached it with an unwavering commitment to truth, dignity, and artistic excellence. His performance—one that captures my father’s pain, resilience, and unbreakable spirit—has left audiences profoundly moved, and I have no doubt that Lubbock will experience the same.
We are incredibly grateful to William Doll, our director, script, and production consultant, as well as Pete Kuzov, our script consultant, for the dedication and care they have poured into shaping this show. Their expertise has been instrumental in crafting a performance that is both historically accurate and emotionally compelling.
I also want to express my deepest appreciation to Zenaida Aguero and the entire team behind the Viva Aztlan Festival for inviting Undesirable Secrets to be part of such a meaningful cultural celebration. My father’s story is one that belongs to history, to the Latino community, to the veteran community, and to all those who believe in the power of remembrance. To see it honored alongside the breathtaking artistry of Folklorico dancers at the festival is a reminder of how storytelling, in all its forms, brings us together across generations and traditions.
Peter and I are looking forward to not only seeing this incredible performance but also connecting with the people of Lubbock. This city is the birthplace of Rodolfo’s artistic journey, and now it becomes a place where my father’s voice will be heard once more.
We hope to see you there as we come together to remember, reflect, and honor the sacrifices of my father and the Forgotten Soldiers of Berga.
— Rebeca Acevedo-Carlin
President, Anthony Acevedo Educational Foundation
February 14, 2025: Undesirable Secrets is Coming to Lubbock—A Powerful Tribute to My Father
I am beyond honored to share some exciting news—the Anthony Acevedo Educational Foundation is bringing Undesirable Secrets to Lubbock, Texas!
This incredible one-person drama, written and performed by Rodolfo Alvarado, tells the true story of my father, Anthony Acevedo—a WWII combat medic, former POW, and the first Mexican American registered as a Holocaust survivor.
We’ll be presenting two special performances in Lubbock:
📍 March 14, 2025 – Aztlan Dance Festival – Lubbock Civic Center (for tickets to this performance click here)
📍 March 16, 2025 – Fireside Theatre, Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts (for tickets to this performance click here)
We’re also offering special ticket pricing for veterans, active military, and their families—because this story is, above all, for them.
A Story That Must Be Told
Many people don’t realize that my father and his fellow soldiers were ordered by the U.S. Army to keep their captivity at Berga a secret. For over 63 years, he carried that silence—until he finally broke it, donating his wartime diary to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. That diary was the first ever written by an American held in a Nazi concentration camp to be archived at the museum.
Through Rodolfo’s performance, my father’s story lives on—not just as a history lesson, but as an emotional journey of survival, resilience, and truth.
Ramona Logan from Frisco Lakes Lifestyle magazine perfectly captured the experience:
"Rodolfo Alvarado did an incredible job of researching, telling the traumatic story of Anthony Acevedo, and performing this masterpiece in the form of a one-man show. You will lose track of time during this non-stop, hour-and-a-half-long gut-wrenching play because Alvarado puts so much passion and emotion into the performance."
A Special Thanks to Frisco Lakes & Texas A&M
Before we bring Undesirable Secrets to Lubbock, we were incredibly fortunate to preview the show for two amazing audiences:
📍 Frisco Lakes North Amenity Center – February 4, 2025 (Private Preview)
📍 East Texas A&M University – February 5, 2025 (Special Performance for Theater Students)
To everyone who attended, thank you. Your support and engagement meant the world to us, and these performances helped us refine the show to make it as impactful as possible.
Bringing Undesirable Secrets to Lubbock
Lubbock holds a special place in this journey—not just because of the 80th Anniversary of the end of WWII, but because it’s Rodolfo’s hometown. It’s where his love of storytelling began, and now, it’s where he gets to share this deeply personal and historical narrative with the community.
I’m also incredibly grateful to Zenaida Aguero and the Aztlan Festival for welcoming this production into their event. Their dedication to celebrating cultural and historical stories is inspiring, and I couldn’t be more thankful.
Join Us in Keeping This History Alive
This isn’t just a play—it’s a chance to honor my father, the Forgotten Soldiers of Berga, and the countless WWII heroes whose sacrifices should never be forgotten.
I invite you to come be part of this powerful experience.
Thank you all for your support—we’ll see you in Lubbock!
— Rebeca Acevedo-Carlin
President, Anthony Acevedo Educational Foundation
This incredible one-person drama, written and performed by Rodolfo Alvarado, tells the true story of my father, Anthony Acevedo—a WWII combat medic, former POW, and the first Mexican American registered as a Holocaust survivor.
We’ll be presenting two special performances in Lubbock:
📍 March 14, 2025 – Aztlan Dance Festival – Lubbock Civic Center (for tickets to this performance click here)
📍 March 16, 2025 – Fireside Theatre, Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts (for tickets to this performance click here)
We’re also offering special ticket pricing for veterans, active military, and their families—because this story is, above all, for them.
A Story That Must Be Told
Many people don’t realize that my father and his fellow soldiers were ordered by the U.S. Army to keep their captivity at Berga a secret. For over 63 years, he carried that silence—until he finally broke it, donating his wartime diary to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. That diary was the first ever written by an American held in a Nazi concentration camp to be archived at the museum.
Through Rodolfo’s performance, my father’s story lives on—not just as a history lesson, but as an emotional journey of survival, resilience, and truth.
Ramona Logan from Frisco Lakes Lifestyle magazine perfectly captured the experience:
"Rodolfo Alvarado did an incredible job of researching, telling the traumatic story of Anthony Acevedo, and performing this masterpiece in the form of a one-man show. You will lose track of time during this non-stop, hour-and-a-half-long gut-wrenching play because Alvarado puts so much passion and emotion into the performance."
A Special Thanks to Frisco Lakes & Texas A&M
Before we bring Undesirable Secrets to Lubbock, we were incredibly fortunate to preview the show for two amazing audiences:
📍 Frisco Lakes North Amenity Center – February 4, 2025 (Private Preview)
📍 East Texas A&M University – February 5, 2025 (Special Performance for Theater Students)
To everyone who attended, thank you. Your support and engagement meant the world to us, and these performances helped us refine the show to make it as impactful as possible.
Bringing Undesirable Secrets to Lubbock
Lubbock holds a special place in this journey—not just because of the 80th Anniversary of the end of WWII, but because it’s Rodolfo’s hometown. It’s where his love of storytelling began, and now, it’s where he gets to share this deeply personal and historical narrative with the community.
I’m also incredibly grateful to Zenaida Aguero and the Aztlan Festival for welcoming this production into their event. Their dedication to celebrating cultural and historical stories is inspiring, and I couldn’t be more thankful.
Join Us in Keeping This History Alive
This isn’t just a play—it’s a chance to honor my father, the Forgotten Soldiers of Berga, and the countless WWII heroes whose sacrifices should never be forgotten.
I invite you to come be part of this powerful experience.
Thank you all for your support—we’ll see you in Lubbock!
— Rebeca Acevedo-Carlin
President, Anthony Acevedo Educational Foundation
February 3, 2025: Honoring History Through Theater: Undesirable Secrets Preview Performances
By Rebeca Acevedo-Carlin, President, Anthony Acevedo Educational Foundation
The Anthony Acevedo Educational Foundation is proud to support the upcoming preview performances of Undesirable Secrets at Frisco Lakes North Amenity Center and East Texas A&M University. These special performances mark an exciting step in our mission to preserve the legacy of my father, Anthony Acevedo, and the Forgotten Soldiers of Berga through the power of storytelling.
Why Undesirable Secrets Matters
Written and performed by Lubbock native Rodolfo Alvarado, Undesirable Secrets brings to life the incredible yet often overlooked story of Anthony Acevedo—a WWII combat medic, former POW, and the first Mexican American registered as a Holocaust survivor. Through this compelling one-person drama, audiences experience my father’s harrowing journey of survival, his resilience in the face of unimaginable suffering, and his lifelong battle with PTSD and the trauma of an abusive father.
This play is more than a historical account—it is a testament to the power of remembrance, justice, and healing. By sharing my father’s story, Undesirable Secrets ensures that his voice, along with the voices of the Forgotten Soldiers of Berga, is never lost to history.
Preview Performances & Special Engagements
The first preview will take place at Frisco Lakes North Amenity Center, offering an opportunity for an intimate audience to engage with this powerful narrative.
The second performance is particularly special—a private engagement at East Texas A&M University for theater acting students. This event, made possible through the efforts of professor Jackie Rosenfeld, provides students with a firsthand look at the power of solo performance in historical storytelling. Following the play, Rodolfo will engage in a talk-back session, giving students the chance to discuss the themes of the play, the creative process, and the historical significance of my father’s story.
AcknowledgmentsThese performances would not be possible without the dedication and support of so many. We extend our deepest gratitude to William Doll, whose expertise has helped bring this production to life, and to Ernesto Acevedo, my brother, for his unwavering support. A special thanks to Jackie Rosenfeld and East Texas A&M University for providing an invaluable learning experience for students. And of course, we are profoundly grateful to Rodolfo Alvarado for honoring my father’s legacy through this moving production.
Join Us on This Journey
These preview performances are just the beginning. As we move forward, we are preparing for the March 14 and 16, 2025 performances of Undesirable Secrets at the Aztlan Dance Festival (March14) and the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts (March 16) in Lubbock, TX—a significant milestone in bringing this important story to wider audiences. For tickets to the Louise Hopkins performance click here.
We invite you to follow along, support our mission, and help us ensure that the sacrifices of Anthony Acevedo and the Forgotten Soldiers of Berga are never forgotten.
For more information about the Anthony Acevedo Educational Foundation, or to support this production, please contact us [email protected].
#UndesirableSecrets #WWIIHistory #LiveTheater #AnthonyAcevedo #LatinoHistory #Resilience #SoloPerformance #TheatreEducation #NeverForget
The Anthony Acevedo Educational Foundation is proud to support the upcoming preview performances of Undesirable Secrets at Frisco Lakes North Amenity Center and East Texas A&M University. These special performances mark an exciting step in our mission to preserve the legacy of my father, Anthony Acevedo, and the Forgotten Soldiers of Berga through the power of storytelling.
Why Undesirable Secrets Matters
Written and performed by Lubbock native Rodolfo Alvarado, Undesirable Secrets brings to life the incredible yet often overlooked story of Anthony Acevedo—a WWII combat medic, former POW, and the first Mexican American registered as a Holocaust survivor. Through this compelling one-person drama, audiences experience my father’s harrowing journey of survival, his resilience in the face of unimaginable suffering, and his lifelong battle with PTSD and the trauma of an abusive father.
This play is more than a historical account—it is a testament to the power of remembrance, justice, and healing. By sharing my father’s story, Undesirable Secrets ensures that his voice, along with the voices of the Forgotten Soldiers of Berga, is never lost to history.
Preview Performances & Special Engagements
The first preview will take place at Frisco Lakes North Amenity Center, offering an opportunity for an intimate audience to engage with this powerful narrative.
The second performance is particularly special—a private engagement at East Texas A&M University for theater acting students. This event, made possible through the efforts of professor Jackie Rosenfeld, provides students with a firsthand look at the power of solo performance in historical storytelling. Following the play, Rodolfo will engage in a talk-back session, giving students the chance to discuss the themes of the play, the creative process, and the historical significance of my father’s story.
AcknowledgmentsThese performances would not be possible without the dedication and support of so many. We extend our deepest gratitude to William Doll, whose expertise has helped bring this production to life, and to Ernesto Acevedo, my brother, for his unwavering support. A special thanks to Jackie Rosenfeld and East Texas A&M University for providing an invaluable learning experience for students. And of course, we are profoundly grateful to Rodolfo Alvarado for honoring my father’s legacy through this moving production.
Join Us on This Journey
These preview performances are just the beginning. As we move forward, we are preparing for the March 14 and 16, 2025 performances of Undesirable Secrets at the Aztlan Dance Festival (March14) and the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts (March 16) in Lubbock, TX—a significant milestone in bringing this important story to wider audiences. For tickets to the Louise Hopkins performance click here.
We invite you to follow along, support our mission, and help us ensure that the sacrifices of Anthony Acevedo and the Forgotten Soldiers of Berga are never forgotten.
For more information about the Anthony Acevedo Educational Foundation, or to support this production, please contact us [email protected].
#UndesirableSecrets #WWIIHistory #LiveTheater #AnthonyAcevedo #LatinoHistory #Resilience #SoloPerformance #TheatreEducation #NeverForget
December 4, 2024: Bringing History to Life: 'Undesirable Secrets' Takes the Stage
Hello to all our cherished supporters and community members,
As we approach the holiday season, I extend my warmest wishes to each of you and your loved ones. May this time be filled with joy, reflection, and peace. It is in this spirit of reflection and remembrance that I am excited to update you on one of our most significant projects at the Anthony Acevedo Educational Foundation.
We are actively preparing for the upcoming performances of "Undesirable Secrets," a monodrama that profoundly narrates the life of my father, Anthony Acevedo, as a WWII medic and Holocaust survivor. Currently, rehearsals are underway in Michigan, where we are diligently refining the performance to ensure it honors my father’s enduring legacy and the deep impact of his experiences. The one-person script, penned by Dr. Rodolfo Alvarado, who, it was recently announced, will be playing the lead role, captures the essence of my father's remarkable resilience and bravery. I am deeply moved by the commitment shown by everyone involved in bringing this powerful narrative to the stage.
As we approach 2025, a poignant year marking the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII and my father’s liberation from Berga, our project takes on additional significance. This milestone anniversary is a fitting backdrop for "Undesirable Secrets," reminding us of the vast contributions Latinos made to the U.S. war effort, which remain largely unrecognized in the broader historical narratives.
Looking ahead, we have scheduled tryout performances in the Dallas-Fort Worth area this coming February. These events are crucial for fine-tuning our presentation before a major performance on March 14, 2025, at the Lubbock Civic Center in Lubbock, Texas—home to Rodolfo Alvarado. This performance, which will be part of the Viva Aztlan Dance Festival, is particularly special, providing an opportunity to engage with the community in meaningful dialogue about history, survival, and human dignity.
"Undesirable Secrets" is more than just a play; it is an educational tool that we believe will foster a deeper understanding of the Holocaust's impacts and the specific experiences of Latino soldiers. Through this monodrama, we aim to inspire reflection, discussion, and a greater appreciation of the sacrifices made by those like my father, who endured unimaginable hardships yet remained steadfast in their commitment to humanity.
I invite all of you to join us in this important endeavor, whether by attending the performances, sharing our story, or providing support in any way you can. Your involvement is crucial to the success of this project and to the continuation of our efforts to ensure that these vital stories are not forgotten.
Thank you for your unwavering support and for standing with us as we bring "Undesirable Secrets" to audiences. Stay tuned for more updates, and we hope to see many of you at the performances.
Warmest regards,
Rebeca Acevedo-Carlin President, Anthony Acevedo Educational Foundation
As we approach the holiday season, I extend my warmest wishes to each of you and your loved ones. May this time be filled with joy, reflection, and peace. It is in this spirit of reflection and remembrance that I am excited to update you on one of our most significant projects at the Anthony Acevedo Educational Foundation.
We are actively preparing for the upcoming performances of "Undesirable Secrets," a monodrama that profoundly narrates the life of my father, Anthony Acevedo, as a WWII medic and Holocaust survivor. Currently, rehearsals are underway in Michigan, where we are diligently refining the performance to ensure it honors my father’s enduring legacy and the deep impact of his experiences. The one-person script, penned by Dr. Rodolfo Alvarado, who, it was recently announced, will be playing the lead role, captures the essence of my father's remarkable resilience and bravery. I am deeply moved by the commitment shown by everyone involved in bringing this powerful narrative to the stage.
As we approach 2025, a poignant year marking the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII and my father’s liberation from Berga, our project takes on additional significance. This milestone anniversary is a fitting backdrop for "Undesirable Secrets," reminding us of the vast contributions Latinos made to the U.S. war effort, which remain largely unrecognized in the broader historical narratives.
Looking ahead, we have scheduled tryout performances in the Dallas-Fort Worth area this coming February. These events are crucial for fine-tuning our presentation before a major performance on March 14, 2025, at the Lubbock Civic Center in Lubbock, Texas—home to Rodolfo Alvarado. This performance, which will be part of the Viva Aztlan Dance Festival, is particularly special, providing an opportunity to engage with the community in meaningful dialogue about history, survival, and human dignity.
"Undesirable Secrets" is more than just a play; it is an educational tool that we believe will foster a deeper understanding of the Holocaust's impacts and the specific experiences of Latino soldiers. Through this monodrama, we aim to inspire reflection, discussion, and a greater appreciation of the sacrifices made by those like my father, who endured unimaginable hardships yet remained steadfast in their commitment to humanity.
I invite all of you to join us in this important endeavor, whether by attending the performances, sharing our story, or providing support in any way you can. Your involvement is crucial to the success of this project and to the continuation of our efforts to ensure that these vital stories are not forgotten.
Thank you for your unwavering support and for standing with us as we bring "Undesirable Secrets" to audiences. Stay tuned for more updates, and we hope to see many of you at the performances.
Warmest regards,
Rebeca Acevedo-Carlin President, Anthony Acevedo Educational Foundation
September 2, 2024: Launching Our Blog: Unveiling 'Undesirable Secrets' at Santa Fe Workshop
Dr. Alvarado (center) was kind enough to share this photograph taken at the workshop. He stands with co-directors, Pete Kuzov (right) and Dr. William Doll. Thanks to three of them for their hard work.
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Welcome to the inaugural post of the Anthony Acevedo Educational Foundation's blog. As President of the foundation, I am thrilled to use this platform to keep you informed and engaged with the many projects we are undertaking to honor and perpetuate the legacy of my father, Anthony Acevedo. Though I was unable to attend due to personal commitments, the recent workshop of the monodrama "Undesirable Secrets" in Santa Fe was a landmark event that I am eager to share with you.
Held at the Teatro Paraguas black box theatre, the workshop featured the immense talents of co-directors William Doll and Pete Kuzov, who also serves as co-producer alongside Robin Long. A highlight of the event was the first night’s performance by playwright Rodolfo Alvarado, whose dedication to bringing my father's story to life has been deeply moving. His portrayal was so impactful that discussions are now underway about casting him as Anthony Acevedo in the full production. This possibility adds an exciting dimension to the project, promising a portrayal filled with authenticity and depth. Significant progress was made on refining the script during the workshop. Key edits were implemented to strengthen the narrative, emphasizing the crucial theme of breaking silence when burdened by a secret— a theme that resonates deeply with the experiences and trials my father endured. Our heartfelt thanks go to Pete and his daughters for their generous hospitality, which greatly contributed to the success of the workshop. Their support was invaluable and made the event not only productive but also warm and welcoming. This blog will serve as a bridge to share these developments and more, as we continue to advance our mission to educate and inspire through my father's extraordinary history. Stay tuned for more updates as we further develop "Undesirable Secrets" and prepare to bring this poignant story to audiences around the globe. Thank you for your support and for joining us on this important journey. Your interest and engagement are what drive us forward. With gratitude, Rebeca Carlin-Acevedo |