This year’s plays and films celebrate our diverse Latinx culture by exploring the breadth of stories the Latinx community has to offer. They move beyond stereotypes and paint a richer and more authentic picture of the diversity within the Latinx community. 

La Vida Es Cortos/Life Is Shorts Festival returns for its 7th year and will feature 8 brand new short plays.

NOVEMBER 28 - 30, 2025

Matchbox 2

RUNTIME:

TICKETS:
General Admission Seating
Pay-What-You-Can
$25 Suggested Price

FESTIVAL LINEUP

La Planchada
by Carl Gonzalez
Directed by Jeana Magallón with assistant director Anthony Almendárez

La Planchada, a horror play rooted in Latinx folklore, written by Austin-based playwright Carl Gonzalez, depicts a ghost hunt gone horribly wrong.

The Pretender
by Samantha Vargas
Directed by Directed by Jonathan Gonzalez

Samantha Vargas explores loss and grief as she returns with The Pretender, a dark comedy where alien visitors are disguised as lost loved ones.

The Great Citizenship Game
by Jay Hernandez
Directed by Ricardo Enrique with assistant director Brandi Brown

Jay Hernandez's The Great Citizenship Game is set in a dystopian world in the not so distant future where contestants compete in a game show where one contestant's “American Dream” is another's nightmare.

Morena
By Katherine Bahena-Benitez
Directed by Laura Moreno

Morena by Katherine Bahena-Benitez is an immersive, healing and joyful love letter to brown girls everywhere. 

Veronica’s Recipe for Guacamole 
by David Davila
Directed by Angeles Romero

Veronica’s Recipe for Guacamole by David Davila features a live cooking show where every part of the recipe heals Veronica through dance. 

FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES

This year TEATRX will once again provide programming for young audiences with La Vida Es Cortitos, two performances dedicated to showcasing short plays and films for young audiences ages 5 and up! 

The Legend of Julio Star
By Juan Sebastian Cruz
Directed by Juan Sebastian Cruz with assistant director Abraham Zapata

This year's Cortitos features the world premiere of the short musical The Legend of Julio Star, written by Houston’s own Juan Sebastian Cruz. This fantastical musical takes audiences on an epic journey from the Colombian mountains to the stars. It’s a celebration of culture, community, and the universal power of music and dreams.

Other young audience plays include two returning playwrights.

Botas de Papá 
by Valeria Pacheco
Directed by Celeste Cerenino with assistant director Juanita ‘J.’ Salazar

In Botas de Papá by Valeria Pacheco, a family ritual brings father and daughter together through time.

2000 Miles
by Ramón Esquivel
Directed by Brenda Palestina

In 2000 Miles by Ramón Esquivel, folklore meets modern anxieties in this hilarious and heartfelt story of Chupacrabra and Lechuza’s search for true love and self-acceptance.  

FESTIVAL SHORT FILMS

The festival will showcase a diverse and compelling lineup of short films by independent filmmakers from around the US and Latin America. The lineup will also include short dance films to provide a multidisciplinary experience like never before. Following every performance, audiences will vote for their favorite short film. At the final performance, the top films will compete to win a $100 cash prize and the chance to be named “LVEC 2025 Audience Favorite Film!”

La Vida Es Cortos/Life Is Shorts Festival is funded in part by grants from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance. TEATRX is a sponsored project of Fresh Arts, a non-profit service organization. Contributions for TEATRX must be made payable to Fresh Arts and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by the law.

PLAN YOUR VISIT TO MATCH

🎟️ BOX OFFICE & TICKETING 

• Online sales end 30 minutes prior to curtain. After this time, tickets may be available in person at the MATCH Box Office. 
• The Box Office opens 2 hours before curtain for Will Call and walk-up sales. 
• All sales are final. No refunds or cancellations after purchase. 
• Why is there a service fee per ticket? Click here to learn more. 
• **Standby/Waiting List: If the performance that you are hoping to attend is SOLD OUT, please CLICK HERE for information on our Standby/Waiting list.

⏱️ BEFORE THE SHOW 

• MATCH Concessions opens 1 hour prior to the start of each event. 
  Enjoy a cocktail, wine, beer, or snack before the show. 
  View concessions menu. 
• Seating typically opens 30 minutes prior to curtain. 
• Please note: Some shows have a no late seating or re-entry after the performance has begun. Arrive early! 

🚗 LOCATION & PARKING: MATCH is located in Midtown Houston. Click here for directions and parking options, including garages and metered street parking.

🍽️ RESTAURANTS & BARS: Make it a night out! Click here for a curated list of nearby restaurants and bars within walking distance of MATCH.

♿ ACCESSIBILITY: MATCH is a fully accessible facility. For accessible seating or special assistance, please contact the box office in advance so we can help accommodate your needs. Click here to email the box office.