Beyond the Beat: How ‘Mexodus’ is Reshaping Musical Theatre and Historical Storytelling
The new musical Mexodus isn’t just a show; it’s a conversation starter. The production, currently running at Off-Broadway’s Daryl Roth Theatre and heading on a national tour, is garnering attention for its innovative use of live looping and its powerful exploration of a largely unknown chapter of American history: the journeys of enslaved people who escaped to Mexico.
The Power of Live Looping: A New Theatrical Language
Live looping, where musicians record and layer sounds in real-time, isn’t new. Artists like Ed Sheeran and Reggie Watts have popularized the technique. However, Mexodus elevates it to a core storytelling element. Sound designer Mikhail Fiksel and director David Mendizábal transformed the stage into a “looping machine,” utilizing software like Ableton Live to place loop triggers throughout the performance space. This allows writer-performers Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson to create a dynamic, evolving soundscape directly tied to the narrative.
This isn’t simply about technical prowess. As Mendizábal explains, the looping process became a metaphor for the labor endured by the characters – Henry on the plantation and Carlos as a sharecropper. The act of building music together symbolizes the building of trust and solidarity. The show’s creators are focused on ensuring every musical element is motivated by character thought and action.
Unearthing Hidden Histories: The Underground Railroad’s Southern Route
Mexodus draws inspiration from the work of scholar María Esther Hammack, who has researched the Black diaspora in Mexico. Between 1829 and 1865, an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 formerly enslaved people sought freedom in Mexico, a figure roughly one-tenth of those who fled to Northern states and Canada. This disparity highlights a significant gap in historical understanding.
The musical addresses this historical oversight directly. As Quijada and Robinson rap in the opening number, “We didn’t grasp this shit! Why? ’Cause it wasn’t allowed…It wasn’t spoken aloud.” This direct address to the audience underscores the show’s mission to bring a forgotten story to light.
From Workshops to Off-Broadway: A Collaborative Journey
The path to the Daryl Roth Theatre wasn’t overnight. Mexodus began as a concept album developed during a 2021 workshop at New York Stage and Film’s Powerhouse festival. Liz Carlson, then artistic producer, provided crucial funding and a space for Quijada and Robinson to experiment. This initial workshop, held outdoors due to pandemic restrictions, allowed the team to refine the music and explore the possibilities of live looping.
Subsequent productions, including a run at the Minetta Lane Theatre, further honed the show’s dramaturgy and staging. The collaborative process involved not only Quijada, Robinson, Mendizábal and Fiksel, but too set designer Riw Rakkulchon and others, all working to seamlessly integrate the technical and narrative elements.
The Future of Immersive Storytelling
Mexodus represents a broader trend in musical theatre: a move towards immersive, technologically-driven storytelling. The use of live looping, combined with a historically resonant narrative, creates a uniquely engaging experience for audiences. This approach has the potential to resonate with a wider audience, particularly those seeking more authentic and thought-provoking entertainment.
The show’s success also points to a growing demand for diverse stories and perspectives on stage. Quijada’s own background as the son of undocumented immigrants informed his desire to collaborate with Robinson, ensuring that the story of Mexodus was told with authenticity and nuance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is live looping? Live looping is a musical technique where a performer records short snippets of sound and plays them back repeatedly, creating layers of music in real-time.
What is the historical basis for Mexodus? The musical is inspired by the true story of enslaved people who escaped to Mexico via the southern branch of the Underground Railroad.
Where can I learn more about María Esther Hammack’s research? You can uncover more information about her work at https://mariaestherhammack.me/.
Where is Mexodus playing? Currently at Off-Broadway’s Daryl Roth Theatre, with a national tour planned.
What makes Mexodus unique? Its innovative use of live looping, its exploration of a little-known historical event, and its collaborative creation process.
Did you know? Mexico abolished slavery in 1829 and refused to enforce a cross-border Fugitive Slave Act, making it a haven for those escaping enslavement in the United States.
Ready to delve deeper into the world of innovative theatre? Explore other groundbreaking productions and the artists pushing the boundaries of storytelling. American Theatre is a great resource for staying informed.
