El Rayo: Or Self-Deportation Nation

by Rodolfo Robles Cruz

Three siblings--two undocumented--navigate the quiet tensions of immigrant life in a small city, where dreams feel both urgent and out of reach. As they grapple with identity, belonging, and the weight of being stuck, the world shifts in unimaginable ways: Earth makes first contact with extraterrestrial life. Framing this historic moment, a chorus of news reporters documents, argues, and sensationalizes humanity...

Three siblings--two undocumented--navigate the quiet tensions of immigrant life in a small city, where dreams feel both urgent and out of reach. As they grapple with identity, belonging, and the weight of being stuck, the world shifts in unimaginable ways: Earth makes first contact with extraterrestrial life. Framing this historic moment, a chorus of news reporters documents, argues, and sensationalizes humanity's entrance into "alienhood." In this deeply personal yet sharply satirical play, a familiar coming-of-age narrative is reimagined through a lens too often ignored, revealing the delicate intersections between the intimate and the cosmic.

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El Rayo: Or Self-Deportation Nation

Karina/K:
An undocumented Mexican immigrant, in this play she spans the ages of 18-30. She is a rebel turned matriarch of the family. She is the quintessential older sister who loves her family above all.

Seeking actor of Latinx descent for role depicting a Mexican woman. Femme presenting or CIS woman of any age.

Lalo/L:
A migrant/documented Mexican-American, in this play he spans the ages of 12-20. He is the youngest of the family, and has had luck most of his life. He is a dreamer, a fighter, and an honorable young man.

Seeking actor of Latinx descent for role depicting a Mexican man. Masc presenting or CIS man of any age.

Jasón:
An undocumented Mexican immigrant, in this play he spans the ages of 20-30. He is the oldest sibling in the play. He is misunderstood, justifiably upset at the world, and facing it head on. He is the black sheep of the family.

Seeking actor of Latinx descent for role depicting a Mexican man. Masc presenting or CIS man of any age.

News Reporter 1 “Tom”:
A news reporter reporting on the alien arrivals into planet earth. Sharp, comedic, satirical character.

Seeking actor of color. Masc presenting or CIS man of any age.

News Reporter 2 “Jessica”:
A news reporter often at the front lines of developing alien news. She is a passionate, sharp, and earnest character.

Seeking actor of Latinx, Indigenous or Native American descent, for role depicting a Mexican/Indigenous woman. Femme presenting or CIS woman of
any age.

News Reporter 3 “Mark”:
A news reporter who provides a different response to the alien news. Condescending, confrontational, and hilarious in the worst ways. He is a satirical, fun character.

Seeking white-passing or white actor. Masc presenting or CIS man of any age, for a role depicting a White Male American.

Military Man “Lance”:
A military man who has a romance with Jessica. He is strategic, smart, and argumentative.

Seeking any actor of any background. Masc presenting or CIS man of any age, for a role depicting an American Soldier.

News Reporter 3 "Mark" can double as Military Man "Lance"

Development History

  • Reading, Selma Arts Center, 2023

Production History

  • Community Theater, Playhouse Fresno, 2026

Awards

  • National Partners of the American Theatre Julie Jensen Playwriting Award
    Kennedy Center National Playwriting Program
    Winner
    2026