Pachuquísmo

Pachuquísmo portrays the female experiences of the 1940’s Zoot Suit Riot era through tap dance, Mexican zapateado, live Jazz music, traditional Son Jarocho (from Veracruz, Mexico) and archival video. With a 9-person, all-female cast donning full zoot suits, the performance challenges gender roles and pulls the narrative of the Zoot Suit Riots out of the male-centered context. A multi-disciplinary show and recipient of the Izzie’s Outstanding Production Award, Pachuquísmo explores history, culture, and rhythm through the lens of the Mexican American pachucas that American society tried to overlook.

With a lifelong fascination of the 1940’s Pachuca era, creator, director and choreographer Vanessa Sanchez developed Pachuquísmo over several years researching newspaper archives, interviewing historians who specialize in early Chicana history, and bringing a forgotten history to the stage.

Performed by company members of La Mezcla, the work is a lively and powerful production that confronts legacies of systemic racism and has been presented at international venues including the Lincoln Center, Jacob’s Pillow, Festival Cervantino in Guanajuato, Mexico and Teatro de Ciudad Esperanza Iris in Mexico City.

Pachuquísmo performances have been met with standing ovations and have brought communities together with pre-show activities, including record spinning and lowrider shows, and post-show discussions that dive deep into history, culture and tradition.

Pachuquísmo is available for in-person presentations, virtual screenings, community engagement excerpts, lecture-demos, residencies, talks and lectures, dance workshops and master classes.