The play “Vestido Negro” by Sapiens Sapiens Teatro Lab, AC, is currently on a state tour, having already been performed in several cities. The play tells the story of a majestic dress that has been worn by various owners throughout history, leaving a mark on each of them. The dress’s first owner was Isabel Moctezuma, the favorite daughter of the last Mexica emperor Moctezuma II. It was then inherited by Leonor Cortés y Moctezuma, a natural daughter of Isabel with Hernán Cortés, and eventually ended up with Isabel de Tolosa, the wife of Juan de Oñate, the last Spanish explorer.
The play is a result of the creative collaboration between Sapiens Sapiens Teatro Lab and the binational association Cultural Heritage Society-Camino Real de Tierra Adentro. A work-in-progress preview of the play took place in September 2021 at the Museum of the Revolution in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, and at the Adobe Theater in San Elizario, Texas, USA.
The inspiration for the play came from the community theater project “Santa Bárbara, the border of New Mexico” in Santa Bárbara, Chihuahua, which celebrated the city’s 450th anniversary. Juan de Oñate, the last explorer of New Spain, was a controversial figure and could not become the protagonist of that play. However, the costumes for the entire cast were made by a group of volunteer women from the Sewing Workshop at Jardín del Abuelo. They chose modern, bright colors for the dresses, but a historian specializing in the Old Province of Santa Barbara suggested that women of that socio-economic level would have dressed in black at that time. This observation led to the emphasis on the black dress in the current production.
The dress in the play represents more than just a piece of clothing. It carries ancient marks, hidden wounds, and scars that conflict with the standards of power and beauty that the black dress represents. Through the dress and its tears, the play narrates the individual events of everyone who wore it and the historical events of the Juan de Oñate expedition, from present-day Santa Bárbara, Chihuahua, to the City of San Elizario, Texas.
Juan de Oñate spent two years in Santa Bárbara, Chihuahua, with the 500 families he convinced to join his expedition and populate the new territory of New Mexico. These families brought their fortune, cattle, seeds, and tools, waiting for royal authorization to begin exploring the territory. Juan de Oñate was the only one among the three contenders for the expedition who was originally from New Spain and had the funds and connections to convince solvent families to join him. While waiting for the decision on which contender would be awarded the honor of making the last conquest for the Crown of Castile, Juan de Oñate stayed at the border.
The play is brought to life by two actresses who portray all the characters hidden within the dress through vocal and body work. They also handle set elements, including little monsters resembling puppets.
In addition to recounting historical events in the region, the play explores the relationship individuals have with their own personal history. It invites viewers to reflect on the idea that recognizing and integrating our wounds can be a valuable and liberating experience in the exploration of our lives.
The play “Vestido Negro” will be performed at the Fernando Saavedra Chamber Theater in Chihuahua on June 30 at 6:00 p.m. Admission is free and open to adolescents and adults.
How does the play “Vestido Negro” explore the social and cultural changes that occurred throughout history?
Centuries ago.
This suggestion led to the idea of exploring the concept of a black dress that carries the stories and memories of different women throughout history. The play “Vestido Negro” was born from this concept, becoming a powerful narrative that intertwines the lives of these women and the historical context they lived in.
The play not only delves into the personal stories of the dress’s owners but also reflects on the social and cultural changes that occurred during the different time periods. It explores themes such as power dynamics, colonization, identity, and the role of women in society.
Through a combination of dialogue, music, and movement, “Vestido Negro” brings these stories to life on stage. The audience is taken on a journey through time as they witness the dress’s transformation and the impact it has on each woman who wears it.
The collaboration between Sapiens Sapiens Teatro Lab and the Cultural Heritage Society-Camino Real de Tierra Adentro has been crucial in bringing this unique production to life. It has allowed for the integration of historical research, artistic vision, and community participation.
The state tour of “Vestido Negro” has been well-received by audiences in various cities, garnering praise for its engaging storytelling and thought-provoking themes. It has created a space for dialogue and reflection, encouraging viewers to reconsider their perspectives on history and the experiences of women throughout time.
As the tour continues, the play aims to reach even more communities and spark conversations about cultural heritage, gender, and the complexities of our shared history. “Vestido Negro” serves as a reminder that clothing can be more than just a fashion statement. It can be a vessel for stories, memories, and identities, carrying the essence of those who wear it and leaving a lasting mark on history.
This article beautifully depicts the power of a majestic black dress in unraveling history and healing personal wounds. A truly captivating and thought-provoking read!