Theater Preview: Playhouse Fresno brings original voices center stage
By Heather Parish
The Fresno theater scene has always ebbed and flowed. There are seasons when fresh productions, independent voices, and new ideas seem to appear every month. Then there are the quieter stretches, when the gaps between openings feel longer and the next interesting development seems perpetually just over the horizon.
But eventually, someone arrives with a vision.
Enter Claudio Laso and Playhouse Fresno (not to be confused with the Fresno Playhouse community theater of yore). The new company is focused on cultivating original work from local artists, creating connections between playwrights, directors, and actors, and helping bring new stories from page to stage.
Laso, one of this year’s Arts Council Horizon Award recipients, is launching the company with “El Rayo; or Self-Deportation Nation,” written by Fresno-rooted playwright Rodolfo Robles Cruz. The play blends comedy, drama, satire, and a touch of science fiction while exploring the coming-of-age experiences of children in immigrant families and reflecting contemporary American media culture back at itself.
Staged in the Main Gallery at Arte Américas, “El Rayo” has a brief run of just four performances this weekend. I caught up with Laso via email to talk about the production, the challenges of starting a new theater company, and what the future might hold for Playhouse Fresno.
Q&A with Claudio Laso of Playhouse Fresno
Hi Claudio! To begin . . . in one word, describe your present condition.
STORY CONTINUES AFTER SPONSORED CONTENT
Eustress. (Yes, I did google this.)
In one sentence, what’s going on in your world?
Artistically thriving while the world burns around me.
With no restrictions on content or form, describe the mission of Playhouse Fresno and its artistic outlook. What is its why?
Playhouse Fresno’s mission is to support local playwrights and underrepresented theatre artists in Fresno by developing original works, providing accessible workshops, and creating a space where all are truly welcome. There are many writers in Fresno and in the Central Valley who deserve a space to workshop their original works. Though theatre in the valley is bursting with opportunity, theatre in Fresno specifically does not tend to represent the community. 50.9% of Fresno’s population is Latine, but most theatre in town doesn’t reflect that. I hope to make theatre inclusive and accessible.
“El Rayo, or Self-Deportation Nation” is Playhouse Fresno’s inaugural production. Tell us about it and why you chose it.
“El Rayo; or Self-Deportation Nation” is about three siblings, two of whom are undocumented, navigating their lives as immigrants in the Central Valley. They talk about their dreams, their frustrations and what it means to be stuck. Meanwhile, the earth is experiencing its first contact with extraterrestrials. Three newscasters on opposing ends of the political spectrum share their thoughts and the public’s opinion of the strange visitors. The play tells a story of humanity in a dramatic and satirical way.
I reached out to Rodolfo because I remembered watching the reading at the Selma Arts Center. It was an evening where Michael Flores and Rodolfo Robles Cruz presented their staged readings. Moderated by Juan Luis Guzman. I remembered seeing a lot of imagery in my head about how the production could be staged. So when I started my application for a Project Specific Measure P grant, I knew I wanted his show to be the premiere production of Playhouse Fresno.
I chose this show to be our first production because I knew it would represent what Playhouse Fresno is striving to succeed. This is a developmental step in Rodolfo’s journey with his play. The performers and designers get to originate these roles and the design elements of the show. I also chose this show because it has a perfect balance of comedy and drama, which I think is a very human experience. Life is full of moments of levity during dark times.
What has been exciting and challenging about bringing this script to life alongside playwright Rodolfo Robles Cruz (who also has roots in the Fresno area).
The whole experience has been full of challenges that excite me. Discovering how to approach new roadblocks that I haven’t experienced before. Securing a rehearsal space, finding a venue to perform in, and figuring out how to block a show with a stage we won’t have access to till opening day. All of this has been hard, but it’s forced me to get out of my comfort zone.
Aside from the logistical challenges, I’ve experienced so much joy working on this script. Rodolfo’s play doesn’t spell everything out for you about the relationship these characters have. He leaves room for imagination! Which, as a director, forces me to get creative with the actors about their character work. We’ve made a ton of collaborative choices to make everyone’s performances as fully realized as possible.
How is this production bringing something new to the theater scene in Fresno?
El Rayo brings a story that hasn’t been told in the Fresno theatre scene. A mixed-status family story during an alien encounter, all taking place IN FRESNO. This show is a direct reflection of the community right here in our city. Because even if you can’t relate to the family’s plight, you will absolutely be able to relate to the newscaster scenes that make sharp commentary on our society. It’s relatable, it’s smart, and it’s the most human sci-fi play you’ve ever seen.
What will the audience be thinking about in the car as they drive home after this show?
My hope is that people will think about a life experience that they know nothing about. I want people to walk away feeling more empathetic towards their neighbors. We are all humans trying to get by and live our dreams. But it’s harder for some to achieve what they want due to the powers that be. Sure some might already know that, but it’s different when you sit and take in the story playing out right in front of you.
What would you like to see more of on Fresno stages?
My friends and I talk about this all the time. What I’d like to see more of is more productions that represent the community. As well as more productions that have a clear artistic take on pieces. Too often do I see plays or musicals that either regurgitate the original production’s artistic choices, or I see productions that are regurgitating the company’s vision when they last produced the piece. Words I love to live by: “The world doesn’t need another copy; it desperately needs your original.” Why make art if you’re painting by numbers? Show us more of your voice, your take on things. We can just watch the bootleg if we want to watch the original!
What have you found to be the most common misconception surrounding theater in the Central Valley?
The most common misconception about theatre in the Central Valley is that it’s low quality. I say this because sometimes we get new people entering into our community who criticize it without truly spending time in the mud with us. Every theatre maker I know is incredibly proud of the work they do. So to have people comment on the quality of our art, not as individuals but as a whole scene, it is offensive. Again, I mention this because this has occurred more than once in just the past few years. We get people who want to “save theatre in Fresno,” but the thought should be to add to the scene, not to polish it.
If you had a magic wand, what would be the next step for Playhouse Fresno?
If I had a magic wand, Playhouse Fresno would get a theater to call home. A space that can be used for everything we want to do for the community. Free actor workshops for adults and children, playwriting groups, childcare for theatre makers, and to be a third space for those who want it. I want to have a home for Playhouse Fresno more than anything.
“El Rayo; or Self-Deportation Nation” performs at Arte Américas June 12 at 7:30 p.m.
June 13 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and June 14 at 2 p.m. Doors open 30 minutes prior to curtain time. Tickets are pay what you can, cash only, at the door. Fresno Unified students get free admission with valid student ID.
If you go, come back here and leave us your thoughts in the comments!
