Mexodus

BY AND FEATURING BRIAN QUIJADA AND NYGEL D. ROBINSON
DIRECTED BY BERKELEY REP ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR DAVID MENDIZÁBAL
IN ASSOCIATION WITH BALTIMORE CENTER STAGE AND MOSAIC THEATER COMPANY OF DC
WEST COAST PREMIERE
PEET’S THEATRE

SEP 13–OCT 20, 2024

What Berkeley Rep’s Associate Artistic Director David Mendizábal harnesses within his tightrope-walking direction is informed by the two talents who call the stage home…Both artists prove that, when done right, nothing compares to watching live storytelling with a raucous audience…To watch Robinson and Quijada layering so many musical influences, one instrument at a time, is to witness genius in motion. Both artists bring a unique perspective and remind us that despite different skin tones, we can work in solidarity to make beautiful music…Once the musical’s ferocity is set in motion, there’s no going back.

San Francisco Chronicle

Quijada and Robinson rap their hearts out…This live-looping musical, which pivots from reggaeton and rap to gospel, often sweeps you away with its sheer sonic power.

Bay Area News Group

We’ve seen hip-hop successfully incorporated into musicals before (hello, Mr. Miranda), but has there ever been a two-person, live-looping, hip-hop, soul, jazz, show tune musical like Mexodus? Not that I’ve experienced…

Chad Jones’ Theater Dogs

History meets hip-hop in Mexodus, an electrifying live-looping musical, composed in real-time by multitalented writer/performers Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson. Mexodus explores the often-untold stories of the Underground Railroad that led south into Mexico. Don’t miss this groundbreaking, theatrical experience of resilience and resistance, celebrating the power of Black and Brown solidarity.

Production information

Runtime: Approximately one hour and 45 minutes; no intermission

Age recommendation: Suitable for ages 12 and up

Stage effects advisory: Haze and fog effects, loud and sudden noises, and sequences of flashing lights

Content advisory: Strong language, including racial slurs, and references to violence, sexual abuse, as well as racism and racial violence

Cast
(in alphabetical order)

Brian Quijada* | Carlos

Nygel D. Robinson* | Henry

Understudies
(in alphabetical order)

Trent Lawson | Henry

Alan Mendez* | Carlos

Creative team

David Mendizábal | Director

Riw Rakkulchon | Scenic Design

David Mendizábal | Costume Design

Mextly Couzin | Lighting Design

Mikhail Fiksel | Sound Design

Rasean Davonté Johnson | Projection Design

Mikhail Fiksel, Brian Quijada, Nygel D. Robinson | Orchestrations

Tony Thomas | Movement Director

Hope Villanueva* | Stage Manager

Christina Hogan* | Assistant Stage Manager (through Oct 6)

Julia Formanek* | Assistant Stage Manager (Oct 7–20)

* Indicates a member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional stage actors and stage managers in the United States