GTA Students Share Their Living Out Experience

By Jeilianne Vazquez

Living Out is the story of two hard-working mothers who want better lives for their children. One happens to be an undocumented Latina worker named Ana, employed by the other, Nancy. The story is funny, warm, and heart-breaking. This post is extra special for me as I have the honor of being the Swing for Ana. I get to see firsthand the rehearsal process and experience. Everyone involved in this show is passionate. Our fantastic director, Elisa Carlson, has really taken her time with every scene, blocking, and reading. The details matter, and she stays true to the script. Her dedication and our fantastic team of actors and technicians really bring it to life. This play has had a special place in my heart for a while now. I am so grateful to be a part of this production.

I was able to ask my fellow cast mates their feelings on the show and what their role means to them.

 

Emily Starace, senior BFA Musical Theatre Major

What is your role in Living Out?

I play Zoila! She is a very fun and bold nanny from Guatemala. She tells it like it is and isn’t afraid to be herself. Playing this role, I found myself pulling tons of  inspiration from my very unique Abuela. She is a very passionate woman who is never afraid to voice her opinions.

Why is this play important to you?

As a Latina actress, I have always found that it is sometimes difficult to find plays that are about our culture. Of course, there are the ones that everyone has heard of like West Side Story or In The Heights, but I have always wanted to see or be in a show that is a little more personal. As soon as I read the script for this show, I fell in love instantly. Without saying too much, the show drew me in with its clever jokes, but completely won me over with how real it can get. I could truly see each and every one of my family members in all of the characters. That is why I am happy to be a part of a show about my people.

Why is it important that people see this play?

I love how this show reflects on the struggles of not only being a woman in society, but also the challenges of being a wife, mother, and person of color. That is a story that needs to be heard. These are still issues that are seen today. People should come and see this play to open up their hearts, have a good laugh, and also get in their feelings. This show is an amazing piece of art and I truly believe everyone should experience it.

 

Sarah Kay, junior BFA Musical Theatre Major

What is your role in Living Out?

I play Wallace Breyer. She’s an upper-class mom who finds trouble connecting with other people, specifically undocumented immigrants. Despite this, she is incredibly charming and loves her children with her whole being.

Why is this play important to you?

The play is important to me because it tells a story that was relevant for it’s time and is still relevant today. Undocumented immigrants are frequently treated as less than, due to racism, classism, and misguided patriotism.

Why is it important that people see this play?

This play teaches compassion and understanding, with all of the characters feeling real and truthful. It will keep you laughing and crying.

 

Emmanuel Cologne, senior BA Theatre major

What is your role in Living Out?

I play Bobby Hernandez (Ana’s husband). Bobby is a hard-working carpenter who has had a rough upbringing, but he has a good sense of humor and a big heart. He loves his family more than anything and just wants the best for them.

Why is this play important to you?

This play is important to me because it exemplifies the disparities between race and class, but despite all of this, it reveals the humanity in all of us despite those differences.

Why is it important that people see this play?

I believe audiences will resonate with these characters, and even move them to see beyond cultural and economic differences.

 

Estef Martin, senior BA Theatre major

What is your role in Living Out?

My role is Ana, and she is a Salvadorian immigrant mother and a nanny who just loves children and is trying to get by in her unique reality. She’s just trying to figure out how to go about her situations for her family to be a family.

Why is this play important to you?

My sister-in-law is from El Salvador. I’ve known her since I was seven so she is my sister. She and her mom share a very similar story to Ana and the people in the play. It’s important because I’ve never been able to represent a Latina on stage. I’ve been a witch and an Italian, and I’ve never been so close to who I am. I think it’s essential for people who look like me to watch me in a leading role.

Why is it important that people see this play?

People should come to see this show because it’s lovely! It makes you think, loves differently, thinks of others differently, teaches empathy, causes catharsis. People should come and support students, learning actors, and their community. We are members of the world of our community members. We are trying to survive in the same space, so why not support?

 

Tyus Martin, senior BA Theatre major

What is your role in Living Out?

I was honored with the role of Assistant Director, from which I gained valuable experience from. I worked alongside Elisa, who entrusted me into the part and helped her maintain rehearsals and work alongside actors both onstage and offstage, which I fully loved every minute of. I then got the opportunity to work with Jayme, who stepped in and finished the rest of the process. My role as Assistant Director got more hands-on in the experience since Jayme relied on me a bit more to help with rehearsals, so it was a blessing to learn from two different wonderful directors and dive into the process in various ways.

Why is this play important to you?

This play is important to me because it tells a beautiful story of struggle, love, and sacrifice in the lives of different races and cultures, but keeping the warmth of laughter everyone will get to share together.

Why is it important that people see this play?

It is important that people get an opportunity to hear the stories of different cultures and their experiences of making it in America and wanting acceptance and everyday life just like any other human being. The world is going through some exciting and historical moments right now. The most important thing for everyone to remember is that we are all human, and we all deserve countless chances at a better life and the importance of spreading love.

 

Paris Aguilar, sophomore BA Theatre major

What is your role in Living Out?

I am the dramaturg, along with being the swing for Zoila and Sandra. As a swing, I learn the roles of my two characters and work as an understudy in case something happens to one of the actors. My role as a dramaturg is different than what I’ve done for previous works. I guide the actors playing Spanish-speaking roles in this production, working as a translator, dialect coach, and cultural advisor.

Why is this play important to you?

I have a deep connection to this show, as this is something I’ve grown up around. I grew up on the southern tip of Texas in Brownsville, a city on the border of Matamoros, Mexico. As a Latina woman who has permanently been submerged in Hispanic culture, it’s beautiful to see the same things I’ve known all my life to be onstage. Although, it’s painful to see the hardships of “legal ethics” surrounding people who choose to move to America for a better life, even if it means losing everything in the process.

Why is it important that people see this play?

The audience needs to understand that these powerful women are real. They’re not farces, not satire, and they’re not stereotypes (although there are a few comments). They’re meant to be interpreted as realistic fiction; it could happen. Even the white couples go through their struggles, though not as legal. I love my culture, and I love this cast that brings it to life. I’m so proud of the work everyone in this production has done – I can’t wait for everyone to see it.