This week Teatro Dignidad and Coalición de Derechos Humanos present the world premiere of School of Theatre, Film & Television Associate Prof. Elaine Romero’s new immersive play El Tiradito.
Myth, border crossings, and activism converge on the site that is El Tiradito in this multi-layered immersive play that looks at the interwoven stories of a place; or an idea of a place that has held significance for our community since its founding in 1871. As new migrants still wander a perilous desert to attempt to come to the U.S., Elaine Romero’s play explores years of activism at the Wishing Shrine, and captures the longing and love inspired by El Tiradito. Whether it be in service of an impossible cause, a cry to activism, or the simple retelling of how El Tiradito might have been founded, this shrine holds a place for all of us.
Romero was recently interviewed by Broadway World and Arizona Daily Star alike to share insight into the meaning behind the story, her process, and what she hopes audiences take away from the production.
With its three overlapping storylines of love, activism, and loss, the work is intended to move audiences to get involved in human rights activism. “That’s always the hope that our art inspires action, that it doesn’t end at the applause,” Romero said.
The production’s cast features recent and current TFTV students, including Lisitte Mora, Anthony Rascon, Alicia Damian, and Rachel Pazos.
This immersive play will be presented at El Tiradito Wishing Shrine (418 S. Main Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701) from Sept. 14-17, 2023 at 7:30 pm & Sept. 21-24th at 7:30 pm. Ticket Reservations can be made here.
Read more at Broadway World
Read more at Arizona Daily Star
This theatrical piece is a collaboration with the University of Arizona Confluence Center for Creative Inquiry’s Fronteridades program, which elevates historically overlooked narratives to form a more inclusive, accurate, and just portrayal of the communities on the U.S.-Mexico border.