SPREAD Opens Off-Broadway
The new play *SPREAD* by Jesús I. Valles has opened at Intar Theatre, running through March 22. The production is drawing attention for its bold writing and strong performances, with photos from the world premiere now available.
Playwright Jesús I. Valles is a queer Mexican immigrant writer-performer from Cd. Juarez, México, whose work often explores identity, immigration, and desire. For *SPREAD*, Valles was the recipient of the 2025 Bruntwood Prize International Award, a prestigious honor for playwriting. The play's title refers to a concoction also known as "Texas prison brick," which four ninth-grade boys create at their Austin high school by mixing snacks like dry ramen, hot chips, and beef jerky in a bag with hot water. This ritual becomes the backdrop for exploring the fragile negotiations of masculinity, friendship, and connection on the brink of adulthood. Valles's previous works include the 2023 Yale Drama Series-winning *Bathhouse.pptx* and the award-winning solo show *(Un)Documents*, which delves into their personal journey across the U.S.-Mexico border and the complexities of citizenship. The production is staged at a venue with deep historical significance. Founded in 1966, Intar Theatre is one of the oldest Latin theater companies in the United States, with a mission to commission, develop, and produce works by Latin artists. This world premiere is directed by Tatyana-Marie Carlo and is presented in association with the Royal Exchange Theatre. The cast includes Daniel Bravo Hernandez, Danny Gómez, Ishmael Gonzalez, Jaden Perez, and Luis Vega.
