Sandra Curtis, Ph.D. author of Zorro Unmasked, The Official History, will discuss highlights of the 90-year history of Zorro, the beloved 19th Century Spanish California champion of the oppressed, whose story is intimately tied to Mission San Juan Capistrano. The lecture “The Legend of Zorro: Myth or History” will be held Saturday, July 31st at 11 a.m. in the Soldiers Barracks Gallery at the Mission.
“The Legend of Zorro: Myth or History” lecture is being held in conjunction with the Mission’s summer exhibit, “Zorro Unmasked”(© 2010 Zorro Productions, Inc., All Rights Reserved), which opened June 1st and is due to close August 31st (open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.).
Amazon.com hailed Curtis’ book as “A must-read for Zorro aficionados,” noting that her “thorough compendium offers a rich historical cross section of one of pop culture’s most influential icons. Beginning with his debut in 1919 in a pulp magazine to Antonio Banderas’ high-profile impersonation in The Mask of Zorro, every factoid and trivial tidbit about the masked muchacho is included.”
In her role as Senior Vice President for Zorro Productions, Inc. for 20 years, Curtis spearheaded creative development. Curtis has produced Zorro projects across the media spectrum, including Zorro the Musical, with an original score by the Gypsy Kings, and a Spanish language telenovela, Zorro, the Sword and the Rose, as well as other major ventures in film, licensing, toys, and electronic games. She also has penned seven Zorro novels.
She conceived and then convinced Isabel Allende to write Zorro, a Novel, the backstory for the Zorro legend on Diego de la Vega’s early life and his development into the renowned folk hero.
The Mission’s Foundation hopes to draw visitors and members of all ages to enjoy a summer visit to the birthplace of Orange County, Mission San Juan Capistrano, and learn about this famed masked hero.
All who are interested in the topic are invited to attend (space is limited to 100 people) and RSVP at (949) 234-1375. The lecture is free to members, and free with paid admission.
