Rust

by Nancy García Loza

Goodman Theatre Playwrights Unit Commission. "My father said: don't ever write about me." Güera, a young pocha, is trying very hard to be a perfect Mexican daughter. At least when Papi is around and Mami is looking. The hot Chicago summer has her climbing trees, fighting with her brothers, and melting like a paleta under her parents’ discerning rules. Suddenly, Abuelo moves in and Güera wonders if she really has...

Goodman Theatre Playwrights Unit Commission. "My father said: don't ever write about me." Güera, a young pocha, is trying very hard to be a perfect Mexican daughter. At least when Papi is around and Mami is looking. The hot Chicago summer has her climbing trees, fighting with her brothers, and melting like a paleta under her parents’ discerning rules. Suddenly, Abuelo moves in and Güera wonders if she really has to be perfect at all? Why be perfect when you can be free?

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Rust

Recommended by

  • Maria I. Arreola: Rust by Nancy García Loza
    “

    I was so lucky to get to see "Rust" back in 2021. In "Rust," we follow Güera (both a younger and older version) as she navigates generational trauma and familial constraints & expectations.  Through Güera, we get to see in action what it means to critically analyze the statement 'My parents did the best they could' whilst in the process of healing."Rust" is such a beautifully written play that has been on my mind ever since seeing it years ago. 

    I was so lucky to get to see "Rust" back in 2021. In "Rust," we follow Güera (both a younger and older version) as she navigates generational trauma and familial constraints & expectations.  Through Güera, we get to see in action what it means to critically analyze the statement 'My parents did the best they could' whilst in the process of healing."Rust" is such a beautifully written play that has been on my mind ever since seeing it years ago. 

    ”
  • Gina Femia: Rust by Nancy García Loza
    “

    A gorgeous, highly theatrical piece about family and breaking cycles, this is one of the most exciting pieces I've seen in a long time and hope to see a full production soon.

    A gorgeous, highly theatrical piece about family and breaking cycles, this is one of the most exciting pieces I've seen in a long time and hope to see a full production soon.

    ”
2F/ 4M, all Mexican/Mexican American cast, Span<>Eng bilingual a must.
*Children must be played by adults

Development History

  • Reading, Goodman Theatre, 2021
  • Workshop, Goodman Theatre, 2020
  • Commission, Goodman Theatre, 2019
  • Residency, Goodman Playwrights Unit, 2019

Awards

  • Blue Ink Award
    American Blues Theater
    Finalist
    2021
  • Bay Area Playwright Festival
    Playwrights Foundation
    Finalist
    2021
  • National Playwrights Conference
    Eugene O'Neill Theater Center
    Semi-Finalist
    2021