Green Room Theatre Company Premieres Bilingual Play 'Black Butterfly' This Weekend

The Green Room Theatre Company is set to premiere "Black Butterfly, Jaguar Girl, Piñata Woman, and Other Superhero Girls I Have Known," a bilingual play by acclaimed playwright Luis Alfaro, this weekend. The production offers a poignant and humorous look into the lives of four Latina girls, aged 12 to 16, as they navigate the challenges and aspirations of adolescence in East Los Angeles.​

Through a series of poems and monologues, the characters share their dreams, desires, and struggles, touching on themes such as cultural dynamics, resilience, heartbreak, humor, and empowerment. Originally written for five actors, this adaptation features a talented cast of four, bringing a unique perspective to the narrative.​

Rocio Munoz, who serves as both associate director and cast member, emphasizes the play's exploration of a vulnerable phase in the girls' lives as they transition from childhood to young adulthood. "It's a time when they're figuring out who they are and who they want to become," Munoz explains.​

David Catanzarite, the executive artistic director of the Green Room Theatre Company, highlights the organization's mission to bring professional theater to underserved communities in the Coachella Valley. "While Palm Springs has a rich theater scene, many surrounding areas have limited access," Catanzarite notes. "We aim to bridge that gap by touring our productions to places like Desert Hot Springs, Thermal, and Indio."​grtccv.org

Now in its 16th season, the Green Room Theatre Company is the only professional touring theater company in the desert region. They are also committed to nurturing young talent through scholarships and internships, having awarded nearly $100,000 in scholarships over the years. Many alumni have gone on to contribute to various theater companies across the Coachella Valley.​

"Black Butterfly" will open this weekend in Indio, with additional performances scheduled in April at the RAP Foundation in Palm Desert, a longtime supporter of the company. Tickets are offered on a pay-what-you-can basis, ensuring accessibility for all community members. Catanzarite emphasizes the importance of registration to manage attendance and maintain the company's policy of not turning anyone away due to financial constraints.​

For more information about the Green Room Theatre Company and to reserve tickets for "Black Butterfly," visit their official website at grtccv.org

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