Mariela in the Desert

Mariela in the Desert by Karen Zacarias wowed and moved our audience

In the spring of 2016, Latino Theatre Projects joined with Theatre Off Jackson to present Mariela in the Desert by multiple prize winning playwright Karen Zacarias. This beautiful and emotional story was directed by Producing Artistic Director Fernando Luna. The cast featured Angela Maestas in the leading role with Michael D. Blum, Adrian Keller, David Cravens O’Farrell, Esteban Ortiz, and Frances Hearn. The beautiful set was designed by Maggie Larrick from Burien Actors Theatre with lighting by Theatre Off Jackson’s own Emily Leong. Costumes were by K.D. Schill and the atmospheric sound was designed by Noah Duffy. One of our favorite Property Masters, Cyndi Baumgartner, added her magic touch to create a complete setting for the powerful story. The whole production was masterfully stage managed by Heather Bernadette.

More than 1,000 community members were able to experience the production. After its regular run at Theatre Off Jackson where over 700 people attended, we took the entire show to the Arts & Academics Academy at Evergreen High School in White Center for one performance. Over 300 students and faculty attended and following the show, there was an exciting Q & A session between the students and the cast. The Academy is 50% Latino students and 90% students of color and many of the students are low income. We were able to provide this experience due to grants from the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture and 4Culture.