They demanded to be heard, punctuation and all—with unexpected pauses, with the cadence of soulful introspection at times, and at other moments blatant in-your-face defiance.
-NTX, “Pachuquísmo @ Cara Mia Theatre’s “Latinidades” Festival of Latinx Theatre”
Pachuquísmo portrays the female experiences of the 1940’s Zoot Suit Riot era through tap dance, Mexican zapateado, live Jazz music, traditional Son Jarocho (from Veracruz, Mexico) and archival video. With a 9-person, all-female cast donning full zoot suits, the performance challenges gender roles and pulls the narrative of the Zoot Suit Riots out of the male-centered context. A multi-disciplinary show and recipient of the Izzie’s Outstanding Production Award, Pachuquísmo explores history, culture, and rhythm through the lens of the Mexican American pachucas that American society tried to overlook.
Click here for performance info
With a lifelong fascination of the 1940’s Pachuca era, creator, director and choreographer Vanessa Sanchez developed Pachuquísmo over several years researching newspaper archives, interviewing historians who specialize in early Chicana history, and bringing a forgotten history to the stage. Performed by company members of La Mezcla, the work is a lively and powerful production that confronts legacies of systemic racism and has been presented at international venues including the Lincoln Center, Jacob’s Pillow and Festival Cervantino in Guanajuato, Mexico.
Click here for Cast & Crew Credits
Pachuquísmo performances have been met with standing ovations and have brought communities together with pre-show activities, including record spinning and lowrider shows, and post-show discussions that dive deep into history, culture and tradition.
Pachuquísmo is available for in-person presentations, virtual screenings, community engagement excerpts, lecture-demos, residencies, talks and lectures, dance workshops and master classes.
For more info about performances and company activities, please email LaMezclaSF@gmail.com.
Tour DATES:
Pachuquísmo at el Teatro de la Ciudad Irapuato, Irapuato, Guanajuato: Click here to buy tickets!
Pachuquísmo at el Teatro de la Ciudad Purísima del Rincón, Purísima, Guanajuato: No registration needed, free admission! Click here for more info!
Pachuquísmo at el Teatro de la Ciudad Esperanza Iris, CDMX: Click here to buy tickets!
Workshops and Talks in Mexico
July 23
10:00 Charla con Vanessa Sanchez en Purísima: Su trayectoria y su trabajo en el mundo de la danza.
17:30 Charla con Vanessa Sanchez en Irapuato
19:00 Taller impartido por Vanessa Sánchez con maestros de danza de Irapuato.
July 26
10:00 Taller con Vanessa Sánchez: Construcción de dramaturgia y creación de una pieza multidisciplinaria.
July 28
12:00 Taller con Vanessa Sánchez: Desarrollo de la técnica compartida entre zapateado jarocho y tap en Ollin Yoliztli
Past tour dates:
