Carlos Villalongin Dramatic Company Collection, 1848-1945

Biographical Sketch

Theatrical troupe which performed in Texas and northern Mexico during the first quarter of the twentieth century; also known as La Companía Dramática Hernández-Villalongin and as La Companía Cómico Dramática Carlos Villalongin. Carlos Villalongin was a Mexican actor and director, born in Chihuahua, Mexico, in 1872, into a theatrical family. Villalongin joined the troupe of Encarnación Hernández, whose daughter he later married. After the death of Encarnación, Villalongin became increasingly involved in the management of the company, and several other members of his family joined the group. During the period of the Mexican Revolution, the troupe moved its base of operations to San Antonio, Texas, although it continued to tour. The company disbanded about 1924, but Carlos Villalongin continued to direct and produce theatrical performances in San Antonio until shortly before his death in 1936.

Scope and Contents Note

Consists of plays and promptbooks, photographs, broadsides, and ephemera relating to a Mexican and Mexican American theatrical troupe. Contains 163 volumes of plays and promptbooks in printed or manuscript form which include 265 plays or short theatrical pieces; dates given range from 1848 to 1924, and 102 items are undated. Photographs date from approximately 1883 to 1924 and show Mexican and Mexican American stage actors and directors, especially members of the Villalongin and Hernández families. Broadsides and other ephemera date from about 1905 to 1945 and include programs, promotional fliers, and tickets.

Restrictions

Access Restrictions

Unrestricted.

Use Restrictions

Standard copyright restrictions apply.

Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Cite as: Carlos Villalongin Dramatic Company Collection, Benson Latin American Collection, University of Texas Libraries, the University of Texas at Austin.

Box and Folder Inventory