Milagro presents Cuéntame Coyote, written and directed by Dañel Malán. Milagro's 2014 Touring Production runs Jan 9-25, 2014, playing Thu at 7:30 pm; Fri - Sat at 8:00 pm; and Sun at 2:00pm at the Milagro Theatre (525 SE Stark St). Tickets: $15 - $24. Available at www.milagro.org or by calling 503-236-7253.
According to the Oxford dictionary for American English a border is "a line separating two political or geographical areas, especially countries". The US-Mexico border, about 1954 miles long, has been challenged for years by illegal border crossing. Year after year, hundreds of undocumented immigrants are found dead in their tracks through the desert, and many of those who make it to the other side find more difficulties than the ones they left behind in search of a better future.
Tales of illegal border crossing inspired Dañel Malán's original Cuéntame Coyote in 2005, but the constantly changing political dynamic and lack of humane solutions motivated Malán to want to learn more. With the support of an Oregon Arts Commission Career Opportunity Grant, Malán traveled to the heart of the Arizona borderlands in search of real stories of the dangers and risks of border crossing to renew the timeless tale of Cuéntame Coyote.ABOUT THE PLAY: Journey through cold, dark desert nights with two cousins desperately dreaming of a better future beyond the iron fence that marks la frontera. Fleeing sorrow and hopelessness, they follow coyotes of two legs and four, stepping over dried bones scorched by the sun, chased by a wind that murmurs tales of Santa Muerte. Amid the dangers that lurk, ready to pounce, in that arid expanse they risk their lives with no one to trust but each other. Will their steps lead to the dreams they seek or vanish in the desert sands like so many before? Join us for this touching story of courage and perseverance based on true border crossing stories.
CAST:
Alida Holguín Gunn.....Maria
Ajai Terrazas-Tripathi.....José
Mariel Sierra.....Rita and Various Roles
Erubiel Valladares Carranza.....Los Coyotes
SPECIAL EVENT - WALK WITH THE COYOTE (COMPANION ART INSTALLATION):
In conjunction with the play, Milagro is pleased to present an art installation created by Susana Espino that explores the experience of crossing the desert. Situated in the Zócalo room adjacent to Milagro's lobby, the installation includes the "Latino Roots Exhibit" depicting images and first-hand stories of immigrants, made possible with the collaborative efforts of the Center for Latino/a and Latin American Studies. The installation is free and open to the public one hour prior to each performance, as well as by appointment during the week for educational groups. WHERE: Milagro Theatre, 525 SE Stark Street, Portland, Oregon 97214
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