Our Legacy lives on

     In the 1960s, Los Angeles stood at the center of profound social change. Latino communities were organizing, demanding dignity, visibility, and opportunity in a society that too often denied them all three. Leaders like César Chávez mobilized farmworkers through the United Farm Workers movement, while students across California walked out of classrooms to challenge unequal education. The Chicano Moratorium gave voice to a generation protesting the disproportionate loss of Mexican-American soldiers in the Vietnam War.

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In the midst of this awakening, art became more than expression—it became a form of resistance, identity, and hope.

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     In 1973, Carmen Zapata, Margarita Galban, and Estela Scarlata founded the Bilingual Foundation of the Arts (BFA) with a bold vision: to create a space where Latino voices could be heard, where language was not a barrier but a bridge, and where the stories of our communities could live on stage with dignity and pride through classic and contemporary productions. At a time when opportunities for Latino artists were scarce, BFA opened its doors and created a cultural home where talent could grow and audiences could see their own experiences reflected in theatre.

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     For more than five decades, BFA has championed bilingual theatre—bringing classical works and contemporary stories to life while nurturing generations of actors, directors, designers, and audiences. What began as a dream among three visionaries has grown into a cultural institution that continues to shape the artistic landscape of Los Angeles.​

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     Today, that vision looks toward the future: the creation of a permanent home for this legacy, The Carmen Zapata Theater. More than a building, it represents a living space for storytelling, education, and cultural connection—where new generations of artists can find their voice and where the diverse communities of Los Angeles can gather to share in the power of theatre.

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     Thanks to the dedication of artists, technicians, educators, volunteers, and supporters, BFA continues to prove that theatre is not just performance—it is community, memory, and possibility. Together, we ensure that the stories of our past inspire the voices of tomorrow.