IT’S ALL GREEK ACTIVE TO YOU
Getty Museum and Center Theatre Group have joined forces to premiere Luis Alfaro’s Chicano adaptations of Electricidad, Oedipus El Rey, and Mojada in virtually produced, multi-camera readings filmed at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City (Los Angeles), and premiering over three Fridays in November. All performances
Alfaro’s fascinating trilogy of plays transplants themes of the ancient Greek tragedies of Electra, Oedipus the King, and Medea into the 21st-century streets of Los Angeles, giving voice to the concerns of Chicano and wider Latino communities. With performances around the world (see reviews below), Alfaro’s electric adaptations question the role that citizens and community play in social issues facing us all today.
All performances are free, and are presented in English and will include Spanish captioning. The trilogy begins at 5pm PDT at CTG beginning with Oedipus El Rey on November 13, Mojada on November 20 and Electricidad on November 22. After the premiere date, the readings will be available on demand through January 20, 2021.
The Greek Trilogy of Luis Alfaro
Oedipus El Rey
By Luis Alfaro
Directed by Chay Yew
Available for streaming beginning Friday, November 13, 5 p.m. PDT
Expires on Wednesday, January 20 at 11:59 p.m. PDT
As he approaches the end of a lengthy prison sentence, Oedipus is ready to taste his long-awaited freedom. But physical liberation comes at a price, and life on the outside proves its own kind of prison ruled by a cruel and violent fate. Based on Sophocles’ classic tale, OEDIPUS EL REY is an urgent examination of modern institutions, social barriers, and the power of storytelling for those bold enough to challenge the gods of our time. Casting to be announced.
Mojada
By Luis Alfaro
Directed by Juliette Carrillo
Available for streaming beginning Friday, November 20, 5 p.m. PDT
Expires on Wednesday, January 20 at 11:59 p.m. PDT
Medea and Jason have escaped the worst. After a harrowing journey across the Mexican–American border, the couple has made it safely to the States, where they can work toward a better life for their family. While Jason is convinced the future looks bright, Medea fears a darker fate as they face the challenges of living without documentation. Blending Euripides’ classic with Mexican folklore, Luis Alfaro examines the tragedy behind America’s immigration system and the destiny of one family caught in its grip. Casting to be announced.
Electricidad
By Luis Alfaro
Directed by Laurie Woolery
Available for streaming beginning Sunday, November 22, 5 p.m. PDT
Expires on Wednesday, January 20 at 11:59 p.m. PDT
In the years following the murder of her father by her mother, Electricidad is committed to vengeance. To get it, she’ll need her brother, Orestes, to return from Las Vegas and help her finish the job. Transporting Sophocles’ Electra to the Los Angeles barrios, Luis Alfaro investigates violence, loss, and redemption through the lens of this age-old tragedy. The cast: Esperanza America, Sal Lopez, Sandra Marquez, Alma Martinez, Catalina Maynard, Marlene Montes, Sarita Ocón, Gabriela Ortega, Rose Portillo, Geoff Rivas, Lucy Rodriguez and Eddie Ruiz.
Electricidad was produced at the Mark Taper Forum in 2005.
After watching the readings, check out Stage and Cinema‘s reviews of previous productions from Mr. Alfaro:
Mojado in Los Angeles
Bruja in San Francisco
Oedipus El Rey in Chicago
Oedipus El Rey in Chicago
Oedipus El Rey in New York
Oedipus El Rey in San Francisco
Alfaro spent six seasons as the Playwright-in-Residence at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival from 2013–2019. He was a member of the Playwright’s Ensemble at Chicago’s Victory Gardens Theatre from 2013–2020. His play anthology, The Greek Trilogy of Luis Alfaro, was just released from Methuen Press and is available at Amazon.