(March 15, 2022) — Fresno State’s University Theatre presents its fifth in-person production of the 2021 – 2022 Mainstage season, “Electricidad,” written by Luis Alfaro and directed by Gina Sandí-Díaz. The production is a Fresno premiere.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. March 25-26 and March 29-April 2, and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 27 at the Dennis and Cheryl Woods Theatre. Tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for Fresno State faculty, staff, alumni and military and $10 for all students. The production is intended only for mature audiences. Children under 12 are not permitted.
A young woman named Electricidad is committed to avenging the murder of her father by her mother. She’s sure her brother Orestes will help her when he returns from Las Vegas, but how long will she have to wait?
Set in the aftermath of a bloody assassination, this innovative adaptation of Sophocles’ “Electra” explores violence, loss, and redemption through the lens of one family’s tragedy.
Alfaro’s re-imagining brings this age-old revenge tale into the future by combining classical Greek poetry with East L.A. street culture elements. The result is a gripping tale that resonates with audiences today as it did in Ancient Greece over 2,400 years ago.
“’Electricidad’ is one of three Chicano tragedies written by Luis Alfaro, along with ‘Oedipus el Rey’ and ‘Mojada,’” says director Gina Sandí-Díaz. “With this trilogy, Alfaro not only modernizes these Greek myths by setting them in contemporary Los Angeles but also dignifies cholo culture, often portrayed as nothing more than criminals. There are many things I love about the play, like the main characters being all women and the main theme, rage/revenge. But most of all, I love that the play portrays Chicano –specifically Cholo culture– as a millenary and robust culture protected by Aztec Gods and warrior ancestors.”
The cast includes Agustin Chapa, Rachael Maciel, Isabella O’Keeffe, Samantha Ramos, Jennifer Rodriguez, Carlos Sanchez, Cindy Sanchez, Dalicia Torrecillas, and Ellie West.
Proof of complete COVID vaccination or a negative result from a COVID test performed within 72 hours of the performance day is required to be admitted. Doors open 30 minutes before curtain. Latecomers will not be permitted, and there are no refunds or exchanges. The box office is open from noon to 4 p.m. on weekdays and one hour before each performance, and accepts cash, check, or credit card payments.
Parking is free for shows on Friday through Sunday night. For shows on Tuesday through Thursday night, parking permits are required and can be purchased at dispensers in parking lots on campus.
For more information, contact the box office at 559.278.2216 or universitytheatre@csufresno.edu.
The College of Arts and Humanities at Fresno State 