La Norteña

by Rodolfo Robles Cruz

Two estranged cousins, Elisa—a first generation “white washed” Mexican-American woman, and Chayo—a campesina woman born and raised in Mexico, meet in the southern part of the Mexican-American border for the funeral of Elisa’s mother. The two grapple with opposing views on opportunity, immigration, and the authenticity of the Mexican experience relative to their location. This story is intertwined with moments of...

Two estranged cousins, Elisa—a first generation “white washed” Mexican-American woman, and Chayo—a campesina woman born and raised in Mexico, meet in the southern part of the Mexican-American border for the funeral of Elisa’s mother. The two grapple with opposing views on opportunity, immigration, and the authenticity of the Mexican experience relative to their location. This story is intertwined with moments of magical realism as we explore the complex relationship of their lives. Analyzing the validity of resentment, and the disparity of Latinx individuals living on opposing sides of the border, La Norteña is a reflection of the lives of Mexican-Americans in the United States.

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La Norteña

Character Information

  • Chayo
    Mexican Woman born and raised in Mexico. Fluent in both English and Spanish. Rugged, as a campesina would be. Passionate, tends to come across more “masculine.”
    25
    Latino -- Mexican
    Cis female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Elisa
    Born & primarily raised in “El Norte.” Her mother was born and raised in Mexico, she visited often when she was very young. She is a successful woman, very “white washed,” Doesn’t speak Spanish very well. She is living the American Dream her mother hoped for.
    25
    Latino -- Mexican
    Cis female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • El Musico
    El music plays the guitar beautifully. He teeters the line between the magical world and the real world.
    Any Age
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man

Development History

  • Reading, The Experimental Theatre Company, 2020
  • Workshop, National Playwriting Program (KCACTF Region 8), 2020

Production History

  • Community Theater, Teatro Espejo, 2023
  • Community Theater, The Selma Arts Center, 2019

Awards

  • John Cauble Short Play Awards Program
    National Playwriting Program
    Finalist
    2020