Relative Theatrics and the UW Art Museum present a free reading of LAS PAJARITAS by Jordan Ramirez Puckett

Relative Theatrics, in partnership with the UW Art Museum, presents a free reading of LAS PAJARITAS by Jordan Ramirez Puckett October 7, 2021 at 6:00pm at the UW Art Museum. The reading pairs with the ‘Reframing Identity’ exhibit. The reading is directed by Anne Mason, features Dr. Cecilia Aragon, Ana Paola Coupal, Aubree Tafoya, and Amber True, and is part of Read, Rant, Relate: Igniting Conversation through Theatre. A post-reading discussion will be led by Dr. Cecelia Aragon.

About the play:
Lita, Anita, and Taylor are three generations of Chicana women who live in the same apartment together. And as much as they can fight about everything from religion to dating, there isn’t anything that one wouldn’t do for another. But there will always be a division in their relationship because Lita’s and Anita’s brown skin and Taylor’s white skin have affected how they are each able to move throughout the world. And when Taylor returns from her first year at college, she finds that something has shifted in her childhood home. Lita goes missing for days on end with flimsy excuses for her absence. Anita and Lita whisper in the middle of the night about a secret that must be kept from Taylor at all costs. And the truth is a far too common example how America’s poorest populations are being exploited around the country.
“ A powerful look at a family struggling to make dreams come true under a society that has a strong perception on immigrants. Well done. ”
“ So beautiful and specific. The mother/daughter relationships are so well drawn and developed, and incredibly relatable. I loved the use of language throughout the piece, as well as the imagery. I would jump at the opportunity to see this play in production. ”
“ Ms. Ramirez Puckett has woven a fine play about a struggling family and their multi-generational bond, embroidering the text with sprinkles of Spanish and folktale that add to the story's richness. A conflicting sense of duty and identity propels them as they deal with change—in attitude, themselves, where they live—that feels fresh and is a frank reminder of the hindrances of one’s socioeconomic status as well as society’s current perception of immigrants. Three lovely roles for Latina women of varying ages. ”

About the art exhibit:
Who am I? Who are we? A deep exploration of the self has been embedded in humanity for ages, sparking philosophical debate and endless writings on the subject. Artists are among those grappling with the issue of identity – who we are as individuals and collectives – through visual expression. In Reframing Identity, the UW Art Museum showcases works in the collection that allow for consideration of identity formation from a broad range of perspectives, beginning with the portrait and expanding out towards ideas of sexual, cultural, and regional identities, among others. The visual texts presented inspire reflection and consideration of how the concept of “self” is an amalgamation of internal and external forces that can be expressed in a multitude of ways. Viewers are encouraged to explore the specificities and generalities in the artworks, and to imagine new possibilities for self-articulation.
Funded through the generosity of the UW Board of Trustees’ Strategic Projects Funds and Genesis Alkali
http://www.uwyo.edu/artmuseum/exhibitions/current/reframing-identity/

About Read, Rant, Relate:
Read, Rant, Relate is a free play-reading program funded in part by the Wyoming Humanities. Experience a new piece of dramatic literature in a unique setting with Relative Theatrics and community partners. Participants engage directly with modern plays by listening to actor-led readings of the texts, and join discussions breaking down the thematic elements of the works and their relevance to today's society.

About Relative Theatrics:
Relative Theatrics strives to present thought-provoking theatre that examines the joining qualities of the human race. We believe that theatre is a forum with the power to illuminate the binding qualities of humanity and reinforce the ideals that as a society we have values that pose as common ground and emotions that relate us to one another. Taking artistic risk, we provide a community gathering place where thoughts can be exchanged about society, culture, and the power of creativity.

WHEN: Thursday, October 7, 2021 at 6:00pm
WHERE: UW Art Museum - 2111 E Willett Dr.
COST: Free!