Gangs vs. The Gods eSe Teatro & ACT's Central Heating Lab Present OEDIPUS, EL REY, 12/5-16

The Greeks descend on modern day California in eSe Teatro's first full mainstage production, Luis Alfaro's Oedipus, El Rey, reacquainting audiences with the iconic tragedy through the lens of Chicano culture and ancient Mexican ritual. Set within the California prison system, the largest incarcerated population in the world, Oedipus, El Rey shows us gang hierarchy as it collides with fate. The play examines free will and whether the "curse"of violence plaguing generations can be appeased without an ultimate sacrifice to the gods. Propheciesof the barrio rule the lives of its people, crushing families with the iron hand of "el destino"(destiny). Has the path already been determined? How much is really up to us?

Playwright Alfaro, one of the most prolific and widely-produced Latino-American Playwrights in the
U.S., continues to push the envelope exploring controversial social issues through his writing. His
Chicano-focused adaptations of Greek classics (Electricidad, based on Euripides' Electra) have garnered numerous awards and recognitions, including the 1997 MacArthur "Genius Award," Kennedy Center Fund for New American Plays (Electricidad and Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) and a nomination fromthe LA Drama Circle Critics award for Oedipus El Rey. He is currently on the faculty at the University of Southern California.

With a MFA in directing from Columbia University, NYC-based director Gisela Cardenas' worldwide
directing credits include the Norwegian Theatre Academy, Sibiu Festival of Romania, Teatro Britanico in Peru and NYU Fornes Festival. Known for her stunning visual imagery and love of the classics, she was the recipient of the NEA/TCG Career Development Program For Directors for 2009-2011 and a directing fellowship at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in 2008.

Full Schedule:
Wednesday, December 5, 7:30pm - preview
Thursday, December 6, 7:30pm - preview
Friday, December 7, 7:30pm - OPENING NIGHT
Saturday, December 8, 7:30pm
Sunday, December 9, 2:00pm
Thursday, December 13, 7:30pm
Friday, December 14, 7:30pm
Saturday, December 15, 7:30pm
Sunday, December 16, 2:00pm - Closing

More Articles by This Author...