The La Jolla Playhouse will show Fandango for Butterflies (and Coyotes) in its West Coast Premiere on Wednesday, inviting the audience to experience an informal musical gathering popular among immigrants, and this one on the eve of a city-wide raid.
The play is written by Andrea Thome, and directed by José Zayas, with original music by Sinuhé Padilla to celebrate the resiliency and camaraderie that can be built as strangers become friends, friends become family, and the music plays on. It will be on stage from Aug.30 through Sept. 25. at the Mandell Weiss Forum at the La Jolla Playhouse.
“We are delighted to once again welcome Anne Hamburger with En Garde Arts and his acclaimed production of Fandangos for butterflies (and coyotes). This warm and cheerfully celebrates indomitable immigrant communities: people who come together with enthusiasm to sing and share stories, even in the midst of a persistent threat outside its walls, which highlights the intrinsic need for connection with humanity”, said Christopher Ashley, artistic director of the La Jolla Playhouse.
Fandangos are vibrant gatherings in which music and dance bring stories of a community to life. The play is inspired by interviews with immigrants from Latin America—many of whom made a dangerous journey to the United States, according to the playhouse.
The work is presented in English and Spanish, with subtitles, to make it accessible to the public in both languages. In addition, after each performance, the public is invited to participate in an informal fandango with cast members outside the theater.
The playhouse and En Garde Arts will present a series of free community performances in partnership with local community centers and schools in Chula Vista, San Ysidro, Escondido, and Oceanside, among others.
Visit the La Jolla Play House to learn more, view showtimes, and buy tickets.
