Chabot College Theater Arts to Present “Electricidad”

The Chabot College Theater Arts Department will present Luis Alfaro’s critically acclaimed “Electricidad,” a Latino interpretation of the Greek tragedy “Electra,” set within the brutal gang culture of a contemporary Los Angeles barrio. Performances are April 12, 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. and April 22 at 2 p.m. at the Douglas Morrison Theatre, 22311 North Third Street, Hayward. Tickets are $10 for students and seniors, and $15 for general admission.  For ticket information, please call (510) 881-6777.

“‘Electricidad’ is a fast-paced, highly theatrical retelling of ‘Electra,’” said Rachel LePell, Chabot College Theater Arts instructor and one of the play’s producers. “It follows the original story of murder, revenge, family loyalty, family destiny and examination of the law - all unfolding in the world of the barrio culture and language,” she said.

“The production will showcase a live rock and roll band and a ‘Greek chorus’ of hip hop and salsa singers and dancers,” she said. The setting will feature a hand-painted mural in the tradition of urban Latino artwork.

“Electricidad,” creator Luis Alfaro is an award-winning playwright, performer and writer and recipient of a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship “genius grant.” He drew upon his Chicano heritage and upbringing in the poor, largely Hispanic Pico-Union district of downtown Los Angeles to create his adaptation of the tragic Greek saga. The play opens as the title character, Electricidad, keeps vigil over her father’s dead body, vowing to avenge his murder by her mother, Clemencia.

The production is directed by Linda Amayo-Hassan with set design by Instructor Dov Hassan; both are of San Lorenzo.  The lighting designer is Chabot College student and Union City resident Sean Gallagher. Actors include Hayward residents Janelle Aguirre, Kel Rama, Dinorah Galvan, Moinca Palcastre and Ulises Toledo. As producer, LePell is working in collaboration with Susan E. Evans and Terry Sullivan of the Douglas Morrison Theatre.

“We hope that this will be the first of many collaborations with the Douglas Morrison Theatre of Hayward,” LePell said. The theatre is owned and operated by the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District.