autobiographical monologue performance

SALSA Lotería

A co-production by/Una co-producción de Motus Theater & Programa Compañeras

SALSA Lotería, is an autobiographical monologue performance exploring the life, strength and resilience of Latina immigrants. These personal stories explore the obstacles the women face and the love of family that inspires them and celebrates their courage to leave their home and venture to a new country. It was developed as part of a Motus Monologue workshop. 

At the heart of the performance is a woman from Mexico, Rosa Elena Valle, making her family’s salsa recipe live on stage while she talks about her experience of immigration. All the other stories, as well as dancing, circle in and out of Rosa’s story. The piece concludes with a talkback as the audience tastes Rosa’s delicious salsa. Salsa monologists include: Rosa Elena Valle Cerezo, Carmen Reina Nelson, Laura Adriana Soto Rubalcava, Teresita Lozano, Elena Aranda, and Ana Karina Casas Ibarra.

The performance structure was inspired by “Historias con Sabor de Salsa,” a project created by Elena Aranda of Programa Compañeras where Latina immigrants share stories about their lives as they make their family salsa recipie. The Lotería images throughout the performance were conceived by Kirsten Wilson and beautifully developed by designer, painter and muralist Sebastían Sifuentes as part of this project.

“‘SALSA Lotería’ is a moving and colorful tapestry that interweaves the lives of six strong and resilient women, their love, pain, sorrows and longing. These are universal stories of family and the triumph of the human spirit. They will move you to tears and at times will make you smile remembering the warm stories of your own family and your own history.”

— Mayor Pro Tem of Lafayette, Gustavo Reyna

“‘SALSA Lotería’ is an incredibly heartfelt and compelling performance of testimonials by everyday Latinas giving voice to the challenges of being immigrants in the United States. It was eye- opening, heart-rending, and something I would strongly urge everyone to go see - just be sure to take your Kleenex."

— Boulder Mayor Suzanne Jones