As part of its multi-city tour throughout the United States, the pan-Latina organization Teatro Luna will present plays on July 6-7 at the Brava Theater in San Francisco and at La Peña in Berkeley, before embarking on another tour in the United Kingdom.
In San Francisco, the theater company will present a vignette of all its plays entitled “Luna Unlaced.” In Berkeley, they will present a play entitled “Generation Sex.” The two shows promise to underline why American theater critics have described their work as “theater that matters.”
Their themes give them an edge; they delve into identity, class, gender and ethnicity as a form of activism for social change. The actresses present complex stories about Latinas using skill, humor, intellect and cultural critique to spark dialogue.
“We’re a little nervous but super happy to present our plays in the Bay Area, a place that has such a strong tradition in theater,” said Alexandra Meda, the executive director of Teatro Luna.
“Luna Unlaced” is a collection of scenes and stories on various themes such as multiculturalism, sexuality, the border and several other issues, which our company has had as favorites,” said Meda.
Founded in Chicago in 2000, Teatro Luna is a nonprofit organization of women and professional actresses who create theater with an autobiographical and ethnographical style to honor the wide range of Latinas residing in the United States.
Abigail Vega, one of the actresses from the group, said that her involvement with the company has broadened her perspective on several problematic issues that Latinas face.
“My parents never discussed with me many of the concepts and problems that I am learning here in theater,” said Vega.
The organization is also committed to social justice and facilitating educational programs and professional development for ethnic minority women through presentations, workshops, lectures and other public events.
For more information about the shows and ticket sales visit the websites of Brava Theater (brava.org) and La Peña de Berkeley (lapena.org), or call (773) 919-5862