Casta

by Adrienne Dawes

FULL LENGTH: Casta is inspired by a series of casta paintings by Miguel Cabrera, a mixed-race painter from Oaxaca. Casta paintings were a unique form of portraiture that grew in popularity over the 18th century in Nueva España that depicted different racial mixtures arranged according to a hierarchy defined by Spanish elites.

When a lowly apprentice is commissioned to paint a casta series for a wealthy patron...

FULL LENGTH: Casta is inspired by a series of casta paintings by Miguel Cabrera, a mixed-race painter from Oaxaca. Casta paintings were a unique form of portraiture that grew in popularity over the 18th century in Nueva España that depicted different racial mixtures arranged according to a hierarchy defined by Spanish elites.

When a lowly apprentice is commissioned to paint a casta series for a wealthy patron, he tries to conform his work to a set hierarchy but finds the images revolt, illuminating a complex portrait of fluid Latinx identities.

Casta is in development with Salvage Vanguard Theater in Austin, TX with a creative team that includes director Jenny Larson and composer Graham Reynolds.

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Casta

Recommended by

  • Diana Burbano: Casta

    This play was extremely affecting. In the Latinx world, there is a claim that we do not "See" race. This play is a brilliant illustration of not only how Mexican society saw race, but how they categorized people and othered them. We go on a journey of discovery with the painter as he paints people from a place of truth and observation, and does not look down on them for the color of their skin or their "Lack of breeding." As he paints he questions where he belongs in the Casta.

    This play was extremely affecting. In the Latinx world, there is a claim that we do not "See" race. This play is a brilliant illustration of not only how Mexican society saw race, but how they categorized people and othered them. We go on a journey of discovery with the painter as he paints people from a place of truth and observation, and does not look down on them for the color of their skin or their "Lack of breeding." As he paints he questions where he belongs in the Casta.

  • Nelson Diaz-Marcano: Casta

    A daring piece that dares go places most playwright wouldn’t. Dawes creates a massive piece of art, detailing the racial history of Mexico while explaining the casta painting with beautiful staging. Hope to experience this on a stage soon.

    A daring piece that dares go places most playwright wouldn’t. Dawes creates a massive piece of art, detailing the racial history of Mexico while explaining the casta painting with beautiful staging. Hope to experience this on a stage soon.

  • Rachael Carnes: Casta

    I saw this compelling piece performed as part of Milagro Theatre's Ingenio festival, and I'm grateful for Dawes' tremendously effective work with this historic project, fearlessly exploring -with relevance and insight - 300 years of identity and culture. We need plays like this one to be read and seen. I'm so glad I had the opportunity.

    I saw this compelling piece performed as part of Milagro Theatre's Ingenio festival, and I'm grateful for Dawes' tremendously effective work with this historic project, fearlessly exploring -with relevance and insight - 300 years of identity and culture. We need plays like this one to be read and seen. I'm so glad I had the opportunity.

Development History

  • Type Residency, Organization Ragdale Foundation, Year 2019
  • Type Residency, Organization Crosstown Arts, Year 2019
  • Type Workshop, Organization Salvage Vanguard Theater, Year 2018
  • Type Reading, Organization Miracle Theatre Group (aka Milagro), Year 2018
  • Type Workshop, Organization Salvage Vanguard Theater, Year 2017
  • Type Reading, Organization Drama League, Year 2017
  • Type Workshop, Organization Salvage Vanguard Theater, Year 2016

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization Salvage Vanguard Theater, Year 2022

Awards

  • NFA - NALAC Fund for the Arts
    National Association of Latino Arts and Culture
    Winner
    2018