A conversation with the playwright for

Judge Torres National Touring production

How did your relationship with Milagro begin?
I first met José at a TCG audience revolution convening. I already new Maya as an actor in Chicago, where I lived during graduate school at Northwestern University. So I had that reference point and I found that we have a lot of things in common. I also work in theater with my spouse. We had some good laughs about that.

Both you and Judge Torres are originally from El Salvador. What is your favorite part of writing not only about the subject of the play’s heritage and roots but your own?
I’m super excited about sharing our culture through myth, sayings, and food. I plan to weave in the myth of El Cipitio and/or La Siguanaba or other folklore Judge Torres may know. And use Salvadoran sayings like: “Que buena onda.” “Cabal.” “Y vos?” (What a good vibe” “Right on” “And you?” We don’t say tu, we say voz.) And we eat plantains. Mostly as platanos dulces with casamiento, that’s a really good version of black beans and rice. And we put yucca in our sopa de res (caldo de res) instead of potatoes.

Can you talk about your process of writing a play based on the story of one specific person?
I plan to sit down and meet with her to hear her story. To listen intently and record with my iPhone. After the interview I’ll scribble down things that stick with me. I’ll meet with her a couple of times in person and if I need to I can call to ask questions. I like to marinate on the interview for a bit. Then I sit down to write and the story comes to me based on the things that stuck with me from the interview. I have an overall idea of her story, I know that we want to weave in myth and I get the onda/vibe we’re going for, but I can’t wait to hear the specifics because that’s where the magic happens. That’s when the heart of the play reveals itself.

What excites you most about this project?
It’s great to share a Salvadoran immigrant story of triumph because they exist. And they are often not reflected in the media. On some level, I relate a lot to her story. It’s kind of amazing that an immigrant from humble beginnings like myself, gets to live the life I lead following my dreams. I appreciate my parent’s sacrifice so that I can be who I want to be. And that makes me proud to be Salvadoran American.

Judge Torres National Touring Production