Mexodus
BY AND FEATURING BRIAN QUIJADA AND NYGEL D. ROBINSON
DIRECTED BY BERKELEY REP ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR DAVID MENDIZÁBAL
IN ASSOCIATION WITH BALTIMORE CENTER STAGE AND MOSAIC THEATER COMPANY OF DC
WEST COAST PREMIERE
PEET’S THEATRE
SEP 13–OCT 20, 2024
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
What Berkeley Rep’s Associate Artistic Director David Mendizábal harnesses within his tightrope-walking direction is informed by the two talents who call the stage home…Both artists prove that, when done right, nothing compares to watching live storytelling with a raucous audience…To watch Robinson and Quijada layering so many musical influences, one instrument at a time, is to witness genius in motion. Both artists bring a unique perspective and remind us that despite different skin tones, we can work in solidarity to make beautiful music…Once the musical’s ferocity is set in motion, there’s no going back.
Quijada and Robinson rap their hearts out…This live-looping musical, which pivots from reggaeton and rap to gospel, often sweeps you away with its sheer sonic power.
We’ve seen hip-hop successfully incorporated into musicals before (hello, Mr. Miranda), but has there ever been a two-person, live-looping, hip-hop, soul, jazz, show tune musical like Mexodus? Not that I’ve experienced…
History meets hip-hop in Mexodus, an electrifying live-looping musical, composed in real-time by multitalented writer/performers Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson. Mexodus explores the often-untold stories of the Underground Railroad that led south into Mexico. Don’t miss this groundbreaking, theatrical experience of resilience and resistance, celebrating the power of Black and Brown solidarity.
Production information
Runtime: Approximately one hour and 45 minutes; no intermission
Age recommendation: Suitable for ages 12 and up
Stage effects advisory: Haze and fog effects, loud and sudden noises, and sequences of flashing lights
Content advisory: Strong language, including racial slurs, and references to violence, sexual abuse, as well as racism and racial violence
Cast
(in alphabetical order)
Brian Quijada* | Carlos
Nygel D. Robinson* | Henry
Understudies
(in alphabetical order)
Trent Lawson | Henry
Alan Mendez* | Carlos
Creative team
David Mendizábal | Director
Riw Rakkulchon | Scenic Design
David Mendizábal | Costume Design
Mextly Couzin | Lighting Design
Mikhail Fiksel | Sound Design
Rasean Davonté Johnson | Projection Design
Mikhail Fiksel, Brian Quijada, Nygel D. Robinson | Orchestrations
Tony Thomas | Movement Director
Hope Villanueva* | Stage Manager
Christina Hogan* | Assistant Stage Manager (through Oct 6)
Julia Formanek* | Assistant Stage Manager (Oct 7–20)
* Indicates a member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional stage actors and stage managers in the United States
Closed captioning
Closed captioning on your smartphone is available for every matinee through Oct 17. See all closed captioning performances.
Audio description
Audio description is available for the matinee on Oct 19. Through individual headphones provided by our partner, Gravity Access, you’ll hear detailed narration of the onstage visual elements of the show. Advance reservation required.
Learn more about our accessibility programs
Events and extras
Musical Miércoles
Join us on Oct 16 at Michael’s Second Act bar for an unforgettable night of live music! Nygel D. Robinson, one of the electrifying performers from Mexodus, will be taking his talents off the stage and into our bar with special surprise guests. Doors open at 8:45pm. This event is free and open to the public. Admission to the evening’s 7pm performance of Mexodus requires a ticket.
Docent-led postshow discussions
Join your fellow audience members after all matinees for a thought-provoking postshow discussion led by our knowledgeable docents.
Health and safety
Masks are encouraged but optional for all performances. Visit our health and safety page for full details.
Brian Quijada in Mexodus, the electrifying live-looping musical.
Photo by Ben Krantz Studio/Berkeley Repertory Theatre
Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson in Mexodus, the electrifying live-looping musical.
Photo by Ben Krantz Studio/Berkeley Repertory Theatre
Nygel D. Robinson in Mexodus, the electrifying live-looping musical.
Photo by Ben Krantz Studio/Berkeley Repertory Theatre