When you lose a son, what do you do?
Manuel Oliver’s (writer/performer) 17-year-old son, Joaquin, was killed in 2018 by a mass shooter at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. After the loss of his son, Manuel and his wife Patricia co-founded the non-profit advocacy group Change the Ref, which seeks to empower young leaders to end American gun violence. He is an artist, creative director, recognizable mentor for the advertising industry, global activist, and international speaker.
This 80-minute theatrical experience tells the story of a father, Manuel Oliver, turned activist; his undying love for his son, Joaquin Oliver; and how a uniquely American nightmare instead confronted an immigrant family’s search for the American Dream. GUAC is written and performed by Manuel Oliver, co-written by James Clements, and directed by Michael Cotey. Tickets are $20. All students of all ages are free. But you must have a ticket to be admitted.