Mexodus' Most Nominated At Lucille Lortel Awards
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The episode centers on the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway musical Mexodus, which has earned nine nominations at the Lucille Lortel Awards. Hosted by Maggie Smith, the conversation features co-creators and co-stars Brian Quijada and Nigel D. Robinson, who discuss the show’s evolution in response to recent revelations about Cesar Chavez, including the decision to replace a reference to Chavez with one honoring Dolores Huerta. They emphasize the importance of art as a living document that reflects societal shifts and fosters solidarity, particularly in moments of historical reckoning. The show’s narrative, rooted in Black and Brown solidarity and ancestral memory, culminates in a powerful act of resistance through song and dance, transforming trauma into communal joy. A moving performance of the song 'Libre'—meaning 'free'—underscores the theme of liberation and resilience. The episode concludes with a promotion for the newly released Audible recording of the show, available for listeners to experience the full emotional arc of the production.
Art should be a living document that evolves in response to societal truths and historical reckoning.
Replacing Cesar Chavez with Dolores Huerta in the show reflects a commitment to honoring overlooked leaders and survivors.
Music and performance can be acts of rebellion and healing, especially in times of social and political struggle.
The show’s narrative arc—from slave narrative to communal celebration—invites audiences into a shared experience of liberation.
Off-Broadway productions offer unique opportunities to revise and update content in real time, unlike more permanent Broadway productions.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction to Mexodus and Its Lucille Lortel Nominations
Maggie Smith introduces the episode with a focus on the Off-Broadway musical Mexodus, which has received nine nominations at the Lucille Lortel Awards. The show’s cultural significance and artistic impact are highlighted as the conversation begins.
Revising the Show in Response to Cesar Chavez Allegations
“You know, there is a line in the show that was when we're talking about moments of black and brown solidarity in history. And one of the places that we cited was Cesar Chavez joining to have a civil rights, civil wrongs righted, we say. And we swapped it out with Dolores Huerta.”
Art as a Living Document and Social Mirror
“I like to think of plays and musicals as living documents until they have to be set in stone so like this show is a living document and if something happens and we catch it, we'll change it on the fly.”
The Power of Performance as Rebellion and Healing
“I think it is an act of rebellion. It is like it is isn't it is a triumph to be singing in times of, I think, troubled times.”
Performance of 'Libre' and Audible Release Announcement
“Why does the bird in the cage still have hope? Why does the bird in the cage sing a highest note? Why does the bird in the cage have a song today? Because today is the day that he might be libre.”
“Why does the bird in the cage still have hope? Why does the bird in the cage sing a highest note? Why does the bird in the cage have a song today? Because today is the day that he might be libre.”
“I think it is an act of rebellion. It is like it is isn't it is a triumph to be singing in times of, I think, troubled times.”
“I think it is an act of rebellion. It is like it is isn't it is a triumph to be singing in times of, I think, troubled times.”
Host
Guests
Mexodus
other
Nigel D. Robinson
person
Brian Quijada
person
Libre
media
Lucille Lortel Awards
other
Cesar Chavez
person
Maggie Smith
person
Dolores Huerta
person
New York Times
media
California
place
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