Gavilan College Stages Play on Local Outlaw Tiburcio Vásquez

The spring production 'Bandido!' explores the life and times of the notorious California bandit.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 7:27pm

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A striking abstract composition of jagged red and black geometric shapes, representing the dramatic and violent history of the outlaw Tiburcio Vásquez.Gavilan College's spring production 'Bandido!' brings the story of notorious California outlaw Tiburcio Vásquez to vivid life on stage.San Jose Today

Gavilan College's theater program will present Luis Valdez's play 'Bandido!' this spring, which delves into the history of Tiburcio Vásquez, a notorious Californio bandit from Monterey who terrorized the region in the late 1800s. The production will take audiences on a journey through the Wild West, from San Benito County to Los Angeles and back to San Jose, chronicling Vásquez's final moments.

Why it matters

The play aims to bring to life a vivid and haunting chapter of local history, exploring the tensions between Californios and their oppressors during a turbulent era in California's past.

The details

Written by the founder of El Teatro Campesino, Luis Valdez, 'Bandido!' unravels the murderous local history surrounding Tiburcio Vásquez. The production will be staged at Gavilan College's Gilroy campus theater, with show dates scheduled for May 8, 9, 15, and 16, including a matinee on May 16.

  • The spring production of 'Bandido!' will run from May 8 to May 16, 2026.
  • Tickets are on sale now for the upcoming shows.

The players

Luis Valdez

The founder of El Teatro Campesino and the writer of the play 'Bandido!'

Tiburcio Vásquez

A notorious Californio bandit from Monterey who terrorized the region in the late 1800s and is the subject of the play.

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The takeaway

By staging a play about the notorious outlaw Tiburcio Vásquez, Gavilan College's theater program is shining a light on a pivotal chapter of local history, exploring the tensions and conflicts that shaped California's past.