Alley Theatre Presents World Premiere Play, Torera
PLAY FEATURED IN ALLEY ALL NEW FESTIVAL
ABOUT TORERA:
Bullfighting in Yucatán, Mexico is a world nearly exclusive to men—yet for Elena María Ramírez, it is her life’s ambition. With the help of her best friend, a matador’s son, Elena begins secretly training to compete with the greatest. But when she discovers that her seemingly inherent talent can beat even the most accomplished toreros, this young woman must choose between accepting society’s limits or breaking boundaries.
A world premiere play written by a stunning new voice in the American theatre, Torera tells a poignant story about becoming your truest self by proudly stepping into the ring. The play was developed in the 2022 Alley All New Festival.
CONTENT ADVISORY:
Torera contains violence in depicting bullfighting as well as some language, partial nudity, and sexual situations as it tells a story of strong-willed people who live to be in the ring.
UPCOMING PROJECTS & EVENTS:
Alley Theatre El Zócalo has partnered with the 18th Annual Frida Festival and 3rd Annual Mariachi Festival to create unique opportunities for Houston’s diverse Hispanic community. Through these partnerships, we have curated activities from Spring 2023 to Fall 2023 that connect to Torera and American Mariachi through connected themes of “Fearless Women.”
TORERA COMMUNITY NIGHT RECEPTION–FRIDAY, MAY 19, 2023 | 5:30-7:30 P.M.; MEREDITH J. LONG THEATRE CENTER | 615 TEXAS AVE.. FREE FOR AGES 13+. SPACE IS LIMITED.
Torera Community Night Reception celebrates fearless women such as Frida Kahlo and Elena Ramirez, the character of Alley Theatre’s world premiere play, Torera, written by a stunning new voice in American theatre, Monet Hurst-Mendoza. This event is open to the public and requires the purchase of tickets to the performance of Torera on May 19, 2023 at 8:00 p.m.* Discounted tickets are available for $40 using the promo code TORERA. *This performance will have Spanish Simultaneous Translations.
DUCARTE: PINTURAS & PASTELES–SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2023 | 12:30-4 P.M.; MEREDITH J. LONG THEATRE CENTER | 615 TEXAS AVE. FREE FOR ALL AGES. SPACE IS LIMITED.
Enjoy this FREE painting and cake decorating workshop led by artist Jesse Rodriguez from Magnolia Grown and pastry artist José Manuel Díaz. Inspired by the “fearless women” Frida Kahlo and the character of Elena Ramirez, the aspiring female bullfighter in the U.S premiere of Torera, participants will depict the “fearless women in their lives” by painting them on a canvas or decorating on gingerbread. Artwork can be displayed at The Magnolia Grown Art Gallery’s La Casita in a special exhibit tour during National Hispanic Heritage Month. Deepen your experience with a performance of Torera on May 27, 2023 at 2:30 p.m.* Discounted tickets are available for $20 using the promo code COMUNIDAD. *This performance will have Spanish Simultaneous Translation.
EDUCARTE: EN MOVIMIENTO–SATURDAY, JUNE 3, 2023 | 4-6 P.M., MEREDITH J. LONG THEATRE CENTER | 615 TEXAS AVE.. FREE FOR AGES 13+. SPACE IS LIMITED.
Get your dancing boots and red cape ready to step into the bullfighting ring! Mexican bullfighter Rodrigo Ortiz leads a bullfighting movement workshop in conjunction with a Flamenco dancer Irma La Paloma of Solera Flamenco. This evening of “dancing with a bull” will culminate with an evening performance of Torera. Deepen your experience with a performance of Torera on June 3, 2023 at 8:00 p.m.* Discounted tickets are available for $40 using the promo code MATADOR. *This performance will have Spanish Simultaneous Translations.
SIMULTANEOUS SPANISH TRANSLATIONS
Friday, May 19, 8:00 PM
Saturday, May 27, 2:30 PM
Saturday, June 3, 8:00 PM
POST-SHOW ALLEY CHATS
Join us for post-show Alley Chats with the cast and Alley Theatre Artistic Staff:
Tuesday, May 23
Thursday, May 25
Thursday, June 1
TICKET INFORMATION:
Please visit www.alleytheatre.org/plays/Torera/.
Photographer: Lynn Lane