Zapata
by Zachary Carlisle

Oct. 14 - Nov. 16
Tuesdays-Sundays

Sixteen-year-old Xochitl Fernandez dreams of becoming a folklórico dancer. Her mother, Ofelia, vehemently opposes the idea, urging Xochitl to focus on college, pursue a well-paying job for stability, and assimilate as the best possible American. Constantly on the move from city to city, the duo finally finds a semblance of home in Tejas. However, their stability is shattered when Ofelia, on the brink of a promotion at her energy drink company, is abducted by the villainous Helado. To her amazement, Xochitl discovers that she shares a special power with her mother and grandmother – the power of Zapata! In a quest to rescue her ama from Helado, Xochitl embarks on a journey down El Camino De Las Estrellas to find Mazatepa, Mexico, essential for fully unlocking the power of Zapata. Tested along the way, Xochitl will need to call on specific traditional Ballet Folklorico dance moves to pass tests.

Book, Music, & Lyrics by Jesse J. Sanchez

Director: Anna Skidis Vargas | Director of Education: Nat Miller

 

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Zapata
by Jesse J. Sanchez
Zachary Carlisle

Performances for schools and families will begin in the Whisenhunt Theatre on October 14th, 2025 and take place Tuesdays through Sundays weekly with the final performance on November 16th, 2025. Weekend performances will be at 11 am and 2 pm. Weekday performances will be at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.