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Repertorio Español was founded in 1968 by producer Gilberto ZaldÃvar and Artistic Director René Buch to introduce the best of Latin American, Spanish and Hispanic-American theatre in distinctive, quality productions, and to bring theatre to a broad audience in New York City and across the country, including seniors, students and Hispanics of all national backgrounds. Robert Weber Federico joined the company two years later as Resident Designer and Associate Artistic Producer and is currently the organization’s Executive Director.
In 1972, Repertorio Español moved to the Gramercy Arts Theatre where the company has since remained. The critical success of the company’s first production, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? set the stage for years of admiration by English and Spanish newspaper critics and the company’s audiences.
From its earliest days, Repertorio has maintained a dramatic ensemble, attracting many talented veterans and emerging Hispanic actors, including Ofelia González, the first actress to win an Obie Award without having performed in English. Another very special addition was Pilar Rioja in 1973, marking the beginning of a relationship which has established Ms. Rioja as a legend in Spanish Dance. In 1980, Pablo Zinger, Musical Director, initiated a musical ensemble that presented zarzuela, operas, and elegant musical anthologies.
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