Tickets are available for Community Solutions’ annual play—Historia de Mi Madre XI: Un Mundo Raro (A Strange World)—which will take place at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2 inside the Gavilan College Theater (5055 Santa Teresa Blvd.) in Gilroy.
The bilingual play focuses on how topics of domestic violence, sexual assault, gender roles and LGBTQ were addressed from the 1950s to the present day, according to organizers.
“We are very excited to present Un Mundo Raro (A Strange World) to the South County Community,” said Perla Flores, author and director of the Historia de Mi Madre series. “Through this play, we want to begin a multi-generational dialogue on healthy relationships, gender equality and respect.”
The play follows the lives of characters Jorge, Lucha and Manuel, three elderly individuals living in a nursing home and reflecting on how issues of domestic violence, sexual assault, gender roles and LGBTQ were handled during their youth. Several members of the elderly community residing throughout Santa Clara County were interviewed for this production to ensure an adequate portrayal of their experiences as Latino men and women growing up during a time of deeply entrenched social norms and gender stereotypes, according to organizers.
Angelica Leon, a social worker for the elderly who has participated in nearly all of the Community Solutions’ plays over the years, will play the role of Lucha.
“I am excited to be part of this production because I believe the arts are a great way to bridge the communications gap between the older and younger generations,” Leon said. “Lucha’s character reminds me of many of the elderly women I have worked with—strong, determined, sassy—and, sadly, as in Lucha’s case, many of them have been victims of sexual assault or domestic violence. Sometimes both.”
The play is intended for a mature audience. Due to mature content, the play may not be appropriate for children. There is a suggested $10 donation, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds, according to organizers.
Proceeds from the evening will support Community Solutions’ programs and services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking within the local community.
“It’s time to shed light on these critical social issues in a way that’s educational and also entertaining,” Leon added. “I hope the community will come out and be part of this experience with us.”
For domestic violence/sexual assault services, call Community Solutions’ free 24-hour bilingual crisis line at 1-877-363-7238.
Community Solutions offers a broad spectrum of services for mental health, substance abuse, family dysfunction, sexual assault, juvenile delinquency, domestic violence and youth development. Staff works in partnership with community-based organizations, law enforcement, local schools and county health and human service providers.
For more information on Community Solutions, visit communitysolutions.org or call (408) 842-7138.
What: Historia de Mi Madre XI: Un Mundo by Community Solutions
Where: Gavilan College Theater, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd. in Gilroy
When: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2
How: $10 suggested donation at door
