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By Isaac Gómez
Directed by Anna Skidis Vargas
The heartbreaking story of a border town, a bus route and the women of Ciudad Juárez who are disappearing. Inspired by real testimonies from women affected by the ongoing femicides along the border, Isaac Gómez’s La Ruta weaves together beautiful storytelling and music in a celebration of the resilience of Mexican women in the wake of tremendous loss.
For at least two decades, the women of Juárez, known as “the capital of murdered women,” have been disappearing along the bus route to and from the U.S.-owned maquiladoras where they work. Despite the dangers, the promise of opportunity and paid jobs forces them to make the trip along la ruta as they struggle to support their families. The play shifts back and forth through time following the story of two mothers, Yolanda and Marisela, as they fight to uncover the truth about their missing daughters.
Contains mature content and discussion of violence against women.
Performances of La Ruta have now concluded. Those interested in lending support for this project and the work of Texas Theatre and Dance, you may do so by clicking "SUPPORT" above. (Please note that this support does not include the ability to stream the performance after live shows have concluded).
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In an effort to promote accessibility, all Texas Theatre and Dance performances in the 2020/2021 Season will be available at pay-what-you-can pricing. We welcome all communities during these difficult times and encourage those who are able to lend their support to ensure the continuation of the arts for future generations.
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Isaac Gómez is an award-winning Chicago-based playwright originally from El Paso, Texas/Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. He graduated from The University of Texas at Austin Department of Theatre and Dance in 2013 with a B.A. in Theatre and Dance. His adaptation of Erika L. Sánchez's award-winning novel I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter had it's world premiere with a Steppenwolf for Young Adults production in February 2020; his play La Ruta received its world premiere at Steppenwolf Theater Company in December of 2018; and his play the way she spoke received its Off-Broadway premiere at the Minetta Lane Theatre (produced by Audible) in Summer 2019. He is currently under commission from South Coast Repertory, Denver Center for the Performing Arts and Steep Theatre. His plays have been supported by Steppenwolf Theater Company, Denver Center, Primary Stages, Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Goodman Theatre, among others. He is the recipient of the 2018 Dramatists Guild Lanford Wilson Award, the 2017 Jeffry Melnick New Playwright Award at Primary Stages, is an inaugural 3Arts “Make A Wave” grantee and holds various affiliations with artistic organizations nationally and locally. He is a Professional Lecturer at The Theatre School at DePaul University and is represented by The Gersh Agency and Circle of Confusion.
Anna Skidis Vargas is a director and play-maker who subverts stereotypes through myth, spirituality and humor. She works primarily in devising and developing new work, with a focus on Latinx and mixed identity stories. She is the founder of Theatre Nuevo in Saint Louis, where she produced and directed This is Not Funny, Orgullo, Acronyms, HELL and Luchadora! Skidis Vargas holds a B.A. in Performance from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and is a current M.F.A. in Directing candidate at The University of Texas at Austin where she has directed Spring Awakening, Lloronx, A Fistful of Trespassing and 30 Floods.
Texas Theatre and Dance is pleased to present a truly unique 2020/2021 Season to meet these exceptional and unprecedented times. The power of theatre transcends the stage through a collection of digital performances, including a powerful exploration of social justice through contemporary dance, heartbreaking stories of loss across the border, an investigation of humanity and technology through movement and a series of all-new works presented as part of UTNT (UT New Theatre).
In addition, Texas Theatre and Dance is a proud participant of The JUBILEE, a year-long, nationwide theatre festival featuring work generated by those who have traditionally been excluded – including, but not limited to artists of color, Native American and Indigenous and First Nations artists, women, non-binary and gender non-conforming artists, LGBTQIA2+ artists, Deaf artists and artists with disabilities.
Above all, we are committed to the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and audiences. Due to the uncertain nature of our current times, all performances dates, times and presentation details may be subject to change. We plan to offer clear and frequent communication regarding updates related to performances and our plans to ensure safety for our shared community.
Thank you for your continued support of Texas Theatre and Dance.
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The world premiere of La Ruta was produced and presented at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Chicago, IL; Anna D. Shapiro, Artistic Director and David Schmitz, Executive Director
This project was developed with support from the Pivot Arts Incubator Program at Loyala University Chicago.
