West Coast premiere of Tanya Saracho’s El Nogalar

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Los Angeles, California, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) January 5, 2012 -- The West Coast premiere of Tanya Saracho's Chekhov-inspired play charts a Mexican family’s experience as their way of life is threatened by encroaching drug cartels and economic upheaval. Set in present-day Northern Mexico and infused with Spanish, Spanglish and Espanglés, it’s a comical and moving story about the choice between adapting to the changing world or being left behind. Directed by Cornerstone Theater Company associate artistic director Laurie Woolery.

When the Galvan family returns home to Mexico after years in the U.S., they must come to terms with encroaching drug cartels, economic upheaval and a new class order. Inspired by The Cherry Orchard, Saracho makes Chekhov’s classic story her own, instilling it with a thrilling sense of immediacy. The deeply felt story of changing times and class divide is vividly portrayed using a mix of English, Spanish, Spanglish and Espanglés – but audiences will have no trouble understanding Saracho’s funny and complex characters.

“When I was in school, I felt that Chekhov was the most Latino playwright I came across.” explained Saracho in an interview. “I thought, ‘I know this dude, his characters. These women are my aunts, my cousins.’ ”

“This play humanizes what we’re reading in the news everyday,” says Woolery. “These women are from an old family, wealthy landowners with political connections. But in this new Mexico, class is turned on its ear.”

El Nogalar opens on Saturday, Jan 28, with performances Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays @ 8 pm and Sundays @ 2 pm through March 11. Tickets are $25-$30. On Thursdays and Fridays only, students with ID are $18 and seniors are $23.

The Fountain Theatre is located at 5060 Fountain Avenue (at Normandie) in Los Angeles. Secure, on-site parking is available for $5.00. The Fountain Theatre is air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible. For reservations and information, call 323-663-1525 or go to www.FountainTheatre.com.

Chekhov     Cherry Orchard     drug cartels     fountain theatre     mexico     spanish     Tanya Saracho     west coast premiere