“Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter” A Strong Season Opener for UTEP’s Wise Family Theatre
By: Larissa Reyes Arzate
Photography: by Chey Slowblade
When Dr. Adriana Domínguez pitched directing a stage adaptation of Erika L. Sánchez’s #1 New York Times Bestselling book, “Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter,” to the University of Texas El Paso Department of Theater and Dance, she did not do so lightly. It is a huge and technically challenging responsibility bringing such a wide-spanning, beloved story to life—but Dr. Domínguez saw the pertinence and opportunity for the new generation of El Pasoans to explore such poignant themes.
Centered around the character of Julia Reyes, a teenage daughter of immigrants with big shoes to fill after her “perfect” sister’s tragic death, this story explores themes of mental health, identity, immigration, and grief through the eyes of older and newer generations’ coming of age. In the words of Dr. Domínguez: “It’s okay to say it, to name it, to seek help, and move forward.” This reasoning is why ultimately this production got the sought-after season-opening slot.
But the show does not bludgeon audiences with heavy themes—it is live entertainment, after all. Since the story is told through Julia’s witty eye and commentary, the core threads ultimately make colorful patterns (figurative and literal) of onstage Quinceañeras, a deified Juan Gabriel, a unified and diverse community, and of sharp humor even in the face of hardship. Playwright Isaac Gómez masterfully adapted Erika L. Sánchez’s book so that live audiences have the unique treat of experiencing the hard themes, in parallel with a normal teen girl’s coming of age. As Vasco Castro, playing Julia Reyes, so succinctly said, “You get to see how Julia’s world opens up as she grows up,” and it makes for an enjoyable, endearing, relatable time for audiences of all backgrounds.”
A common sentiment among the cast was an energized sense that this show steps away from other Latino theatre by spotlighting Gen Z’s struggles, strengths, and experiences, or the evolving conflict and honoring of older values. Consequently, the cast expressed a catalyzed, enabled understanding of perspectives they might not have otherwise empathized with—an experience they are certain audiences will also walk away with.
To learn more about the cast, the production as it approaches, or to find out more information about the exciting, incoming 2024-2025 season of shows, follow UTEP Department of Theatre and Dance on Instagram.
The show will run from October 24 until November 2nd at the Wise Family Theatre. Tickets (ranging from $12 to $18) can be purchased at UTEP’s Ticket Centers, through the phone, Ticketmaster (additional fees apply), or at the Wise Family Theater Box Office an hour before performances. See poster for details.
