Mixed Blood Theatre brings “Minnecanos,” its acclaimed Chicano touring production, to the Historic Holmes Theatre in Detroit Lakes for a performance at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 6.
The performance is sponsored by Precision Printing of Minnesota.
“Minnecanos” spans four generations and the entire 20th century in its spirited illumination of Mexican American history.
It begins at the Minneapolis home Diego Morales has owned for over 40 years.
Encouraged by the bemused ghost of his loving wife, the old man uses the contents of an ancient trunk to ignite his great granddaughter’s interest in their rich cultural heritage.
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Such milestones as El Rencanche (the train shuttle that brought laborers from the Southwest to Minnesota’s sugar beet fields), the mass deportations of the Great Depression, and the Cesar Chavez-led farm workers’ movement are highlighted in this captivating 45-minute performance.
Brimming with energetic corridos (story-songs), a refreshing optimism, and more than a little humor, this is a buoyant celebration of the accomplishments, character, and aspirations of Latinos in Minnesota and across the country.
“Minnecanos” was written for Mixed Blood by Thomas Benitez and Joe Minjares, a successful restaurateur (Pepito’s in south Minneapolis) before turning his talents to theater.
The talented cast includes returning veterans Pedro Bayón as Diego and Lisa Suarez as both his granddaughter and the ghost of his wife. They are joined by Thallis Santesteban, who has toured in Mixed Blood’s “Theory of Mind,” as the great granddaughter. The show is again directed by Raúl Ramos.
“Minnecanos” is one of four culturally-specific productions toured this season by Mixed Blood Theatre, a Minneapolis-based multicultural theatre company founded in 1976. The others include “Dr. King’s Dream,” a biography of Dr. Martin Luther King; “Daughters of Africa,” a music-driven history of African American women; and the aforementioned “Theory of Mind,” about a young man on the autism spectrum.
“Minnecanos” begins at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 6. at the Holmes Theatre in Detroit Lakes.
Tickets for the play can be reserved by calling 218-844-7469 or visiting dlccc.org . Tickets are also available at the door the night of the show.
