Extra Credit: Ghostly Labor

 Ghostly Labor

    I watched "Ghostly Labor" by Vanessa Sanchez and La Mezcla on Thursday, September 19. I didn’t know what to expect, nor was I familiar with the history that would unfold before me. However, I was pleasantly surprised to explore the history of the U.S.-Mexico borders through an artistic lens. At the beginning of the show, the producers encouraged cheering and singing to immerse the audience in the experience. The performance featured various elements, including tap dancing, a percussion-based band, and visually striking backgrounds and lighting that enhanced the conveyed messages. 

    The program was divided into four parts: Pre-Colonization, Labor Relations, Domestic Migration, and the Fight and Coexistence. Out of all the acts, my favorite was Labor Relations because it was the most intense and emotional while focusing on Carmelita Torres and the Bath Riots. In 1917, the U.S. mandated that all Mexican workers crossing the border undergo bathhouse inspections. Carmelita Torres, a maid who crossed the border almost daily for work, refused one day to bathe in the toxic disinfectants. She sparked a movement known as the Bath Riots during a time where Mexicans were facing intense discrimination. The cast did an incredible job at depicting Carmelita in red, symbolizing the revolution she was leading. The dance and the music burned of intense emotion. I was deeply moved by this performance, not only because I did not know about the suffering that these people went through, but also because I felt such strong emotion against the U.S. for enacting such policies. At the end of the act, I remember this actress letting out a primal scream that just sent chills down my spine.

 

 

    Another thing that stood out to me is that between each act, there was usually dialogue that provided context to the scene. I loved how the actress delivered her dialogue with such intensity and anger over how Latinos were treated during that time. Her performance drew me in and made me deeply reflect on the play through her words. My favorite quote from her was, “These motherfuckers colonized corn.” It perfectly captured her frustration and anger. 

    Although there were many scenes of intense, angry emotion throughout the performance, I especially loved how they depicted the celebration of cultural pride. The performers were dressed in vibrant and lively color and danced with passion and joy. It truely showed the beauty and resilience of the Latino community, highlighting their journey from field labor and discrimination to familial celebration and warmth. It created such a welcoming atmosphere that felt like I was being included in the celebration of Latino culture.