Lighthearted political satire will take the stage...

Lighthearted political satire will take the stage at El Camino College today as El Teatro de la Esperanza, a Latino theater company, presents “Rosario’s Barrio.”

The play, to be performed in English, is the story of Rosario, a screenwriter hired to create a Latino version of “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.” Rosario has strong ideas about what to include in the television show, which shows viewers how to make green cards in addition to menudo and enchiladas.

“It’s a dialogue between the producers, who want a ‘Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood,’ and Rosario, who wants the show to include more contemporary issues,” said Tim Van Leer, director of the South Bay Center for the Arts, which contracted the theater group for today’s performance.

El Teatro de La Esperanza, which has its roots in the Chicano movement of the late 1960s, was formed in 1970 by UC Santa Barbara students and later moved off campus to become a professional company.

In its plays, the company explores the Latino experience. “Rosario’s Barrio” takes whacks at both mainstream America and the Latino community. Rosario’s TV audience is treated, among other things, to the adventures of Yolanda in Wonderland and a version of Little Red Riding Hood set in the barrio.

The performance of “Rosario’s Barrio” starts at 7 p.m. in Marsee Auditorium, at Crenshaw and Redondo Beach boulevards in Torrance. Tickets are $16, $14 and $12 and are available at the campus box office, by telephone (310) 329-5345 or at the door.