| BARRIOZONA |
| Bilingual Community Expression Published by the Hispanic Institute of Social Issues |
| XAVIER GARZA The Writer in the Silver Mask |
| BARRIOZONA interviews a writer, illustrator, and passionate of Lucha Libre –professional wrestling– whose most recent book, “Lucha libre, the man in the silver mask” tells a beautiful tale about a child who is thrilled by the fascinating world of colorful masks, dangerous moves, and luchadores or wrestlers. The author talks about the socio-cultural relevance of lucha libre in today’s society, the importance of bilingualism, and his next books. |
| Lucha Libre, The Man in the Silver Mask, A Bilngual Cuento. Hardcover. 40 pages. Bilingual (English and Spanish.) Dimensions 9' by 11. Price: $17.95. To order this book, call the Hispanic Institute of Social Issues at 480 - 983-1445 or e-mail at: books@hisi.org |
BARRIOZONA: Lucha Libre seems to be a growing trend, why do you think this cultural phenomenon is
taking place?
XAVIER GARZA: Lucha Libre is firmly embedded in Mexican pop culture, and with our rapidly growing
Hispanic population lucha libre becoming popular was inevitable. America is changing; more and more,
our Hispanic ideas and traditions are seeping into the mainstream. It’s a revolutionary change really.
Lucha Libre also captures the imagination of mainstream America. Virtually, every culture around the
world has a fascination with the mask. This fascination can be seen in theater, Halloween, and in our
love of super heroes.
BZ: You grew up being a lucha libre fanatic. What advantages or disadvantages does this blending of
sports, entertainment, and social theater pose to young people?
XG: I have always viewed Lucha Libre as being a poor-man's theater that comes complete with
antagonists and protagonists that are cast in leading and supporting roles. The luchadores wear masks
and costumes, and take part in the oldest play in the world: good versus evil. Lucha Libre however is a
lot more traditional, purer if you will. Then (we have) the current WWE wrestling product, which all too
often crosses the line between family entertainment and being pornographic. Above all, people need to
remember that injuries can be very real, if you don’t have proper training for even the most basic of
moves.
taking place?
XAVIER GARZA: Lucha Libre is firmly embedded in Mexican pop culture, and with our rapidly growing
Hispanic population lucha libre becoming popular was inevitable. America is changing; more and more,
our Hispanic ideas and traditions are seeping into the mainstream. It’s a revolutionary change really.
Lucha Libre also captures the imagination of mainstream America. Virtually, every culture around the
world has a fascination with the mask. This fascination can be seen in theater, Halloween, and in our
love of super heroes.
BZ: You grew up being a lucha libre fanatic. What advantages or disadvantages does this blending of
sports, entertainment, and social theater pose to young people?
XG: I have always viewed Lucha Libre as being a poor-man's theater that comes complete with
antagonists and protagonists that are cast in leading and supporting roles. The luchadores wear masks
and costumes, and take part in the oldest play in the world: good versus evil. Lucha Libre however is a
lot more traditional, purer if you will. Then (we have) the current WWE wrestling product, which all too
often crosses the line between family entertainment and being pornographic. Above all, people need to
remember that injuries can be very real, if you don’t have proper training for even the most basic of
moves.
BZ: As a writer and illustrator, what was your main motivation behind “Lucha Libre, The Man in the Silver
Mask?”
XG: I wanted to capture the spirit of Lucha Libre. I hold true to the idea that the heart of lucha libre is
found in the children. To a child these luchadores are living super heroes that wear capes and masks. The
Man in the Silver Mask is my tribute to this wonderful world.
BZ: What has been the public’s response to your book?
XG: So far it has been very good. It has been nominated and recognized for various awards. What makes
me happiest about the book is that children and actual luchadores seem to love it for the most part. One
luchador told me that the story was similar to a situation that first inspired him to be a luchador. His own
uncle was in fact secretly a luchador.
Mask?”
XG: I wanted to capture the spirit of Lucha Libre. I hold true to the idea that the heart of lucha libre is
found in the children. To a child these luchadores are living super heroes that wear capes and masks. The
Man in the Silver Mask is my tribute to this wonderful world.
BZ: What has been the public’s response to your book?
XG: So far it has been very good. It has been nominated and recognized for various awards. What makes
me happiest about the book is that children and actual luchadores seem to love it for the most part. One
luchador told me that the story was similar to a situation that first inspired him to be a luchador. His own
uncle was in fact secretly a luchador.
BZ: What’s ahead in Xavier Garza’s writing and illustrating agenda?
XG: I have a new book that will be out in October called Juan and the Chupacabras (Arte Público). This
book is mainly about the power of storytelling, and its impact on our families’ traditions and beliefs. I am
also working on The Legend of Charro Claus, plus a young adult novel called, Adventures in Mexican
Wrestling.
XG: I have a new book that will be out in October called Juan and the Chupacabras (Arte Público). This
book is mainly about the power of storytelling, and its impact on our families’ traditions and beliefs. I am
also working on The Legend of Charro Claus, plus a young adult novel called, Adventures in Mexican
Wrestling.
| Interview and Photographs by Eduardo Barraza |
BZ: What is your
opinion regarding
bilingual books, and
why did you decide to
publish your book both
in English and Spanish?
XG: I think it is
essential that we as
Hispanics don’t loose
our mother tongue. Yes,
one should learn
English, in today’s world
one must speak English
so as to be able to
succeed, but I fail to
see any disadvantage
in having two
languages. That is why
I am against any law
that stresses an English
only stance. Such a law
stacks the odds against
first generation
immigrants that have
yet to learn the
language.
opinion regarding
bilingual books, and
why did you decide to
publish your book both
in English and Spanish?
XG: I think it is
essential that we as
Hispanics don’t loose
our mother tongue. Yes,
one should learn
English, in today’s world
one must speak English
so as to be able to
succeed, but I fail to
see any disadvantage
in having two
languages. That is why
I am against any law
that stresses an English
only stance. Such a law
stacks the odds against
first generation
immigrants that have
yet to learn the
language.
| Xavier Garza is a Mexican-American writer and illustrator. His work has been published in various periodicals in the U.S., as well as his art exhibited in numerous venues. He received his BFA from the University of Texas, Edinburg. Garza’s graphic and literary work represents an innovative cultural and artistic expression of the ancient and traditional sport and entertainment that Lucha Libre has been. While this author and illustrator’s work is a socio-cultural artistic expression about lucha libre, it can also be seen as an element of the lucha libre’s folklore. Xavier Garza lives in San Antonio, Texas. |
