Downtown Beat offers a random sampling of the exciting things happening around Downtown Phoenix. Want something included in the Downtown Beat? Email Monica with any information you can provide.

History, abridged

Love history and need a refresher course? The New Carpa Theater may have your lesson. The New Carpa Theater Company is presenting “The Eagle & the Serpent: A History of Mexico Abridged,” an 80-minute play about the history of Mexico from 30,000 B.C. to present — with only five actors. The new play is directed by James E. Garcia and written by Arturo Martinez.

Tickets will be on sale soon at showup.com. The show opens Sept. 24 at Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center, 147 E. Adams St. in the Downtown District.