The box office opens this weekend to present “Mojada: A Medea in Los Angeles,” a modern take on a Greek theater classic. The play draws together archaic themes of betrayal and passion in the context of modern Mexican immigration.
Written by Los Angeles native and USC Professor Luis Alfaro, the play follows Medea and her family, who have migrated to the United States from Michoacan, Mexico. “Mojada” explores themes of family, love and assimilation amid the Chicano culture and milieu of Boyle Heights.
America’s thematic legacy as the land of opportunity is etched into its history—the Statue of Liberty asserting, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses,” or the Dream Act enacted in 2001.
But Alfaro brings to light the grim truths often hidden in stories of migration and assimilation without shying away from themes of trauma and vulnerability.
“Art is often the way that society is able to deeply process and deeply reflect on the biggest experiences in our world and in our own lives,” director Tessa Slovis said.
Making her Cal State LA directorial debut, Slovis expresses how personal and moving this project has been for the entire cast.
“For me personally, I’m the daughter of an immigrant from South America. . . It’s a really beautiful opportunity for me to honor that experience,” Slovis said. “Every member of the cast is the child of an immigrant. . . It’s been really healing and really beautiful to be able to work on this.”
Tickets can be purchased online on the Cal State LA website, and shows will take place from Thursday, Nov. 14 through Sunday, Nov. 17, and Wednesday, Nov. 20 to Saturday, Nov. 23 at the State Playhouse.
