Pito Pérez — the fictional bohemian hero, street drunk and vagabond philosopher — is the star of La Vida de Inútil de Pito Pérez, which kicks off the 11th season of the El Paso Community Foundation Jewel Box Series at the Philanthropy Theatre.

El Paso theatrical group La Tropa performs the Spanish-language play at 2:30 pm Sunday, October 11 in the Philanthropy Theatre on the second floor of the Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Centre.

General admission tickets are $15, on sale at the Plaza Theatre Box Office (no service charges) and Ticketmaster (with service charges).

Pito Pérez has become an iconic, almost mythical character in Mexican culture since he was introduced in José Rubén Romero’s enduring 1938 novel. Over the years, Pito has been the subject of films, TV shows, stage plays — even a Mexican rock band is named for him.

La Vida de Inútil de Pito Pérez is a Spanish-language monologue adapted and directed by El Paso’s Luis Castañeda. This particular production blends irony, sarcasm and poetic language as Pito discusses Mexican cultural traditions.

El Paso actor Hugo Caro plays the title role, supported by a cast of six singers and actors. Music is by Damian Castañeda.

The Jewel Box Series was created in partnership with El Paso Live in 2014 to host local performing artists and groups in that jewel box of a venue, the Philanthropy Theatre in the Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Centre.

The Philanthropy Theatre has a clear bag policy. Go to elpasolive.com for details.

The 2026-2027 season will continue monthly with shows from December 2026 to May 2027.