By Cris Franco
When President Ulysses S. Grant said, “I do not think there was ever a more wicked war than that waged by the United States on Mexico … “ he was predicting the impetus for the searing drama that unfolds in Josefina López’s newest play, Eléctrico, having its world premiere production at Casa 0101 Theater in Boyle Heights (Los Angeles) from October 10 through November 2, 2025.
Set in the spring of 1910, prior to the Mexican Revolution, Eléctrico is the story of a white passing electrician, Raymond Brown. The action takes place in a small town in Texas, close to the Mexican border, 62 years after the U.S. landgrab was set into motion by the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo where Mexico ceded half its territory. Brown is caught in a racial struggle between whites and the Mexicans when he discovers the shocking reason why the town’s electricity went out.
“As a Mexican-American playwright and screenwriter I feel I have a responsibility to tell the stories of my people, which might otherwise remain untold”, said award-winning playwright and author López. “After reading William D. Carrigan and Clive Webb’s book, The Forgotten Dead about the lynching of Mexicans in the southwest, I was compelled to write my play, Eléctrico, as a historic feminist western drama”.
For this important piece, López teams up once again with director Corky Dominguez. Together they present as a winning combination, seeking to challenge and entertain the audience in an inventive and unabashed way. The bold direction of Dominguez style is perfect for this important historical story.
“Although the play’s characters and plotline are fictional, the subject matter which Josefina’s play is based on, is 100% true’, [They] took place in Texas in the late 1800s and early 1900s; brutal realities that for the most part, that have been forgotten by history.”
“My goal is to unearth the truth that has been buried and forgotten along with all the dead who are part of this ‘American’ story, Josefina chimes in. ”I needed to write this play to open this uncomfortable conversation that needs to be discussed.”
Due to the play’s mature subject matter and violence, this show is recommended for ages 13 and above.
Emmanuel Deleage, Casa 0101 Executive Director and producer talked of the significance of premiereing Eléctrico this year. “CASA 0101 Theater is thrilled to present Josefina López’s latest creation, a feminist western, as the centerpiece of our Theater’s 25th Anniversary celebration,” and emphasized, “It is a story rooted in the past and as relevant today as ever.
With original corridos (story ballads) written and performed by Francisco Rivas Medina,Eléctrico stars Robert Moris Castillo and Corina Calderon – both professionals with numerous impressive film, television and theater credits. It features the talents of Sonia Aguirre, Casara Clark, Andrew Laughery, Dustin Loomis, Francisco Rivas Medina, Alessandro Mendoza, Jeremiah Ocañas, Ryan Padilla, Sierra Pérez-Gelbman and Timothy Willard.
Often treated like strangers in their own land, Chicano/Mexican-Americans are raised hearing the adage that “we didn’t cross the border, the border crossed us!” Eléctrico strives to bring light to this dark time in history in hopes of engendering understanding in a more just America.
For all show info: www.casa0101.org
Where: The Gloria Molina Auditorium at CASA 0101 Theater, 2102 East First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033
When: Fridays & Saturdays @ 8:00PM, Sundays @ 3:00PM, four weeks only: October 10 thru November 2, 2025
Tickets: $25.00 each General Admission; $22.00 each Students & Seniors 60+; $20 each Boyle Heights residents & Groups of 10 or more. The Box Office can be reached at 323.263.7684 or at tickets@casa0101.org
Talk Backs: (for ticket holders only): Following Sunday matinees on:
October 12th (led by playwright Josefina López with Dr. Stewart Davenport, History Professor at Pepperdine University discussing the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo) & October 26th (led by director, Corky Dominguez, guest speaker/s TBD).
Free Art Exhibit: Arthur Carillo’s “My Experience y La Tuya,” prior to performances in the theater lobby.
Casa 0101 Theater Is Supported In Part By: The State of California, Los Angeles County Department of Arts & Culture, National Latinx Theater Initiative, Herb Alpert Foundation, Perenchio Foundation, The City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, California Arts Council, U.S. Bank, The Herb Block Foundation and the David Lee Foundation.