Luis Torres Nadal (4 July 1943 – 15 May 1986) was a Puerto Rican playwright, poet, educator, actor, choreographer, and theatrical director.
In so doing he not only inherited, but also cultivated the style of his masters Dr. Arturo Machuca Padín, Leopoldo Santiago Lavandero and Alberto Rodríguez.
His interest centered on placing the Puerto Rican man and woman, from a humanistic perspective, into the global scene in the theatrical world.
He also authored the monologues "La actriz" (The actress) and "Esa blanca rosa de papel" (That White Paper Rose).
[6] It is said that from a young age Torres Nadal had wanted to leave a real and recognized theatrical movement in his hometown of Ponce.
There, he directed his version of "Marianela", "Todos los ruiseñores cantan" (All the Nightingales Sing), and his biggest dream, "West Side Story" [1986].
Two days prior to his death he had also submitted to the trustees of the Pontifical University of Puerto Rico his master plan for the creation of the Department of Dramatic Arts at that institution of higher learning.
His death was mourned by family and friends alike, as his lifeless body was presented for public viewing at the very theater that had seen the results of his brilliant work, Teatro La Perla.
[9] Teatro La Perla holds a yearly theater festival during the month of February in honor of Torres Nadal.