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
TICKETS NOW ON SALE

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

Read digital program

See and hear

Audiences praise Mexodus

Did you know this ish? With the co-creators of Mexodus

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

Closed captioning

Closed captioning on your smartphone is available for the following performances: evenings Sep 19, 20, 22, 24, and 25; and every matinee through Oct 17. See all closed captioning performances. Learn more about our accessibility programs.

Events and extras

Latine Heritage Night
Join us on Oct 4 to celebrate Latine Heritage Night hosted by Berkeley Rep in partnership with La Peña Cultural Center. Start the evening with a preshow performance by the dynamic Latin music band Bululú and enjoy samplings from Casa de Chocolates alongside delicious light bites in our Narsai M. David Courtyard. Stick around afterward for cocktails and conversation at Michael’s Second Act bar. Doors open at 6:45pm. This event is free and open to everyone. Admission to the evening’s performance of Mexodus requires a ticket.

Postshow discussions
Join us after the show on Sep 27, Oct 3, or Oct 8 for a postshow discussion, expertly guided by members of Berkeley Rep’s artistic team.

Docent-led postshow discussions
Join your fellow audience members after all matinees for a thought-provoking postshow discussion led by our knowledgeable docents.

Health and safety

Masks will be required in our theatres on Sunday and Tuesday performances for the first three weeks of a show’s run. Masks are encouraged but optional on all Wednesday through Saturday performances, as well as Sundays and Tuesdays after the first three weeks of performances. Visit our health and safety page for full details.