Theater Review: MEXODUS (Berkeley Repertory Theatre)

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by Chuck Louden on September 23, 2024

in Theater-San Francisco / Bay Area

STUNNING STORYTELLING

Many times when I go to see a show, whether as a critic or just a patron, I’ll come in not knowing in advance what I’m going to see. With a reputable theater company, my expectations are set pretty high. The Berkeley Rep’s outings have never failed to disappoint me, sure, but not only did its latest production, Mexodus, knock me out, I felt privileged to be in the audience on opening night seeing this fantastic piece of theater.

Brian Quijada (front) and Nygel D. Robinson (back)

Co-creators, actors, writers and musicians Brian Quida and Nygel D. Robinson have created a masterpiece in storytelling. Told through spoken word, this hip-hop musical is a timely story of black and brown men coming together in solidarity to help each other on their journeys. Here, they tell a story that took place in history which is not taught in schools — the Underground Railroad that led south into Mexico.

Nygel D. Robinson

The Mascogas are a group of formerly enslaved African Americans who escaped slavery in Texas in the 1850s. Being close to the border, Mexico is a destination to seek asylum by crossing the Rio Grande River. Those who survive the journey then start a new life for themselves. Henry is one such man who is on the lam and inadvertently ends up on Carlos’s land after a brutal river crossing. Carlos reluctantly helps Henry and this story is about their journey.

Brian Quijada

The story is told of course with dialogue, but there is so much more. Riw Rakkulchon‘s multi-tiered stage design is covered with musical instruments including an elaborate keyboard, a cello and piano. There are several television sets, a wide screen on the back metal wall. The overall effect is that of an overcrowded warehouse.

Nygel D. Robinson and Brian Quijada

Directed fluidly by David Mendizabal, it is the two actors do all the heavy lifting in this intense one-act. The dialogue is mostly told in the style of hip hop and spoken word. As Lin Manuel Miranda, the creator of Hamilton says: “Hip Hop is the language of the Revolution”.  The comparisons to Hamilton are obvious even though this story takes place a century later. Both of these indefatigable actors play a variety of instruments while singing about their plight. Images projected on the television sets and the wide screen help depict some of the action.

Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson

As Henry (who can’t swim) is trapped in the Rio Grande River bargaining with God to survive, we can literally see and feel the seemingly endless and bottomless stream of water surrounding him. In addition to the visuals (projections by Rasean Davonté Johnson) is the equally impressive audio technique known as “live looping”. This fairly modern technique involves the recording of short segments of sound in real time played back. Thus a single word or sound can be replayed as a chant or song with music added. (Sound Design by Mikhail Fiksel who co-orchestrated with Quida and Robinson).

Nygel D. Robinson (front) and Brian Quijada (back)

In real life, Quida and Robinson became friends and collaborated during the pandemic. They were able to see how their similar backgrounds mirrored how former slaves came together to help liberate themselves, hence brown and Black characters creating solidarity.

Nygel D. Robinson and Brian Quijada

This magnificent production is not just a “New Hamilton”.  Mexodus stands on its own. With immigration a hot button issue, this story and its obvious metaphors are very timely and needed. I highly recommend.

Nygel D. Robinson

photos by Ben Krantz Studio

Nygel D. Robinson

Mexodus
Berkeley Repertory Theatre
Berkeley Rep’s Peet’s Theatre, 2025 Addison Street @ Shattuck
ends on October 20, 2024
for tickets (starting at $22.50, plus a $9 order fee), call 510.647.2949 or visit Berkeley Rep

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