ASU's fall theatre lineup will feature The Hungry Woman by Cherrie Moraga, which promises to be a new -- and local -- take on an old classic.
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The Hungry Woman takes place in a dystopian Post-Revolutionary Phoenix, and is sure to push a few hot buttons. The United States has been divided by ethnic and political tension; the revolution led to the formation of three separate nations, each dominated by a particular race and ethos. Medea lives on the border of two of these territories. Moraga's play examines what it means to exist in the liminal space, and tackles issues of women's rights, chicano and chicana cultural identity, and homo- and bi-sexuality.
The play is based on Euripides' Medea, but features elements of the mythology of the Aztec Goddess Coatlicue and the folktale of La Llorona.
Dora Arreola, a guest artist at ASU, is directing the performance. Arreola is known in the world of performing arts for founding Mujeres en Ritual Danza-Teatro, a women's dance and theatre ensemble. The troupe has traveled throughout the world, but their focus is on crafting original performances and hosting workshops that analyze issues of cultural and gender identity.
The playwright, Cherrie Moraga, will also be lecturing and leading a workshop at ASU during the second week of the show's run.
The Hungry Woman will run from October 17 through 19 and 23 through 26 at the Herberger Institute's Lyceum Theatre. Tickets are $16 for the public, $12 for seniors and ASU alumni and faculty, and $8 for current ASU students.
