Ellas y Yo: Mexicanas by Silvita Diaz Brown

Ellas y Yo: Mexicanas is a full-length dance-theatre triptych that physically embodies the legacies of three Mexican women artists—Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, Frida Kahlo, and the artist herself, a contemporary Mexican immigrant—who forged creative freedom against colonial, religious, and patriarchal constraints. Developed over four years, each of its three interconnected sections carries a distinct physical and theatrical language: Sor Juana's intellectual precision and spiritual rebellion (explored through the nun's habit), Frida's transformation of pain into radical self-expression (embodied through long, body-extending skirts), and Silvita's exploration of migration, grief, and belonging as sites of healing and agency. Performed by six dancers through solos, duets, trios, and ensemble work, the piece weaves contemporary dance, physical theater, bilingual Spanish/English text, original music, and multimedia projection into a layered theatrical experience.

About the Pivot Arts Festival

The Pivot Arts Festival is a vibrant celebration of adventurous performance, showcasing experimental work by artists of color exploring new creative territory. With a strong commitment to sustainability, the festival supports the development of bold, interdisciplinary projects that engage community, environment, and identity. Rooted in Chicago and focused on local artistry, Pivot Arts provides a platform for underrepresented voices to grow, connect, and be heard.