LaGuardia Community College Theater Program Presents Luis Alfaro’s Electricidad, November 19–23
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (October 16, 2024) — The LaGuardia Community College/CUNY Theater Program announces the production of Luis Alfaro’s Electricidad, which will be presented at the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center, November 19-23. This modern adaptation of Sophocles’ Electra is a bilingual play in English and Spanish, set in an East LA barrio, reinterpreting the classic Greek tragedy through a contemporary lens.
“With its exploration of timeless themes of violence, loss, and redemption, Electricidad promises to captivate and engage audiences with its powerful and relevant narrative,” said Stefanie Sertich, director of Electricidad, and theater professor at LaGuardia. “This production is a celebration of student work, showcasing the talents and dedication of all the students involved. It offers a unique opportunity for connecting with our diverse community while highlighting the vital role of student contributions. We look forward to sharing this compelling and resonant experience with our audiences.”
Julio Trinidad (LaGuardia’15, Theater), a professional actor, screenwriter and theatre artist, is collaborating with Professor Sertich on the production, as the cultural competency director.
“Working with Stefanie is truly a full-circle moment for me. Having transitioned from student to colleague and now to friend, I cherish the unique relationship we’ve developed. I’m grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with someone who has had such a profound impact on my journey,” said Julio, who won the Irene Ryan Award for Best Actor from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) Region 1 in 2014 and 2015, and the Mark Twain Scholarship for Best Comedic Actor at KCACTF nationals in 2015, as a LaGuardia student.
“As cultural competency director, my role is to ensure that we honor the cholo identity, which is specific to the West Coast,” added Julio. “While avoiding stereotypes or tropes. It’s important to me that we accurately represent this culture, especially in a diverse city like New York. I work closely with the students on script analysis and collaborate with the creative team to create an authentic world that hopefully connect with audiences.”
Electra is a Greek tragedy written by Sophocles towards the end of Sophocles’ career, between 420 BC and 414 BC. The story focuses on the return of Electra’s brother Orestes from exile and the plot to murder their mother. It is part of the larger tale of King Agamemnon’s return from the Trojan War.
Playwright Luis Alfaro reimagined Electra from the perspective of immigrants living in his native Los Angeles. His inspiration was meeting a 13-year-old girl through his work with at-risk Mexican American youth, who had been arrested for attempting to kill her mother, who had put a hit out on her father. This real-life tragedy reminded Alfaro of the story of Electra, leading him to create a version set in a contemporary Chicano neighborhood. First produced in 2003, Electricidad explores themes of family, revenge, and the cyclical nature of violence, blending classical mythology with modern urban drama. It’s a powerful commentary on the impact of gang life and the enduring human emotions that drive such narratives.
Alfaro’s Electricidad tells the story of a young girl in a period of intense mourning. Her father, leader of a powerful gang, has been murdered by his wife, Clemencia. Clemencia, in her bid for power, has awakened the spirit of revenge in her daughter, who vows to kill Clemencia to avenge her father’s death. Her Abuela and sister, Ifigenia, protest and urge Electricidad toward forgiveness. Ultimately, she and her devoted brother, Orestes, carry out the grim act of matricide. However, Clemencia’s death cannot defeat the true enemy: the cycle of violence and hatred perpetuated by gang life.
Seven performances are scheduled from Tuesday, November 19 through Saturday, November 23. The run time is approximately 100 minutes with no intermission. The play is recommended for individuals ages 13 and older.
Reserve tickets (no cost) for the open dress rehearsal on Tuesday, November 19 at 7 p.m. Additional showtimes are Wednesday, November 20 at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Thursday, November 21 at 7 p.m.; Friday, November 22 at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Saturday, November 23 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person, plus a $2 convenience fee; or $8 per person for students (with promo code STUDENTS), plus a $2 convenience fee.
Electricidad will be performed at the Little Theater of the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center. Audience members are encouraged to enter LaGuardia Community College at 45-50 Van Dam Street, Long Island City, Queens (see Maps and Directions). For further information, please email lpacboxoffice@lagcc.cuny.edu or call (718) 482-5151.
Crew:
- Aliya Edwards, Assistant Director
- Charles Kelly, Production Assistant
- Dominick Ross, Production Assistant
- Kenny Larson, Dramaturg
- Michou Vital, Production Assistant
- Skylar Wiltshire, Production Assistant
Cast:
- Abby Queveda, Electricidad
- Brianna Contreras, Ensemble/Vecinas/Understudy
- Dean Chimborazo, Orestes
- Felix Alvarez, Nino
- Isabelle Martinez, Clemencia
- Jaden Fabio, Ensemble/Vecinas/Understudy
- Jasmin Perez-Pilar, Vecinas/ Ifigenia Understudy
- Jason Rodriguez, Ensemble/ Nino Understudy
- Mya Marte, Ensemble/Vecinas/Understudy
- Roniel Pena, Ensemble/Vecinas/Understudy
- Xiomara Huerta, Abuela
- Yuliza Abreu, Ifigenia
LaGuardia Theater students have earned numerous honors and awards at the annual Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, the premier theater festival for students at two-year and four-year colleges and conservatories nationwide. Upon graduating from LaGuardia with their Associate of Science (AS) degree, students frequently transfer to audition-based theater programs and have been awarded competitive scholarships to attend prestigious theater conservatories. LaGuardia Theater alum work throughout the theater world both on-stage and off, in administration, development, production crew, and other areas.
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LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC), a Hispanic-Serving Institution, located in Long Island City, Queens offers more than 50 associate degrees and academic certificates, and more than 65 continuing education programs to prepare New Yorkers for transfer to senior colleges and rewarding jobs and careers. An institution of the City University of New York (CUNY), the College reflects the legacy of our namesake, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former NYC mayor beloved for his advocacy of the underserved. Since 1971, LaGuardia’s academic programs and support services have advanced the socioeconomic mobility of students from Queens, NYC and beyond.
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