It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. New York University Abu Dhabi and Theater Mitu explore the relationship of two sister cities along the US/Mexico border – El Paso, TX (USA) and Cd. Juárez, Mexico – in a new theatre show, Juárez: A Documentary Mythology.
Ahead of this week’s performance, Abu Dhabi Week speaks to Theater Mitu’s actors to find out more.
Tell us more about this production?
Denis Butkus: This was born from our artistic director Rubén Polendo, who is from Juárez. He felt the region was changing and was becoming a place of violence. He wanted to go down there and try to reconcile his memories of the past with what it became in the future.
Talk about the cities you’ve featured, why did you pick those two?
Justin Nestor: Juárez and El Paso were always border towns and sister cities. It wasn’t until the drug trade started, that the US began to divide itself and keep a border.
Can you talk about the dialogue and script for this play?
JN: This is a documentary theatre piece. Basically the company has spent the last three years interviewing the residents in this region. What is really interesting is the dialogue is all from transcripts. Every bit of text is all sourced.
Why did you decide to perform this piece in Abu Dhabi?
Aysan Celik: There are really remarkable stories. It may be focused on a particular place but it is something that matters to us all.
How has the performance been received?
JN: It was interesting to see people’s response to hearing their own words, given back to them in a different form. That was very exciting to people because it felt like their city was given a voice.
What can audiences expect at the show?
DB: Well it’s a great show. I think anybody who is interested in examining the borders of their life will have a great interest in this show.
Showings are from 7th to 10th March at the NYUAD Downtown Campus, entrance is free however prior registration is required. Reservations are available at: nyuadjuarez.eventbrite.com
