Join The “Mexodus”

By Wes Hessel with Flo Mano

In it’s Chicago premiere at the Studebaker Theater, “Mexodus” is a titanic, pyrotechnic, non-stop musical thrill ride. Written and performed by Nygel D. Robinson (mind-blowing as Henry) and Brian Quijada (incredible in the role of Carlos), the production is a high-energy, two-person theatrical work/concert that depicts the untold history of the southern Underground Railroad, the route where slaves escaped south across the Rio Grande into Mexico, instead of up north. In a unique live-looped hip-hop rhythm format, the speed and command of the many different instruments and props they both use, plus their breakdancing agility and gymnastic groove, smoothly moving around the stage, puts the audience in awe – it is so phenomenal…

Henry, a slave, escaping from Texas for killing a man in self defense, runs into Carlos, a Mexican farmer and former battlefield medic traumatized in the Mexican-American war, who shelters him. Blending operatic level vocals with hip-hop, gospel, R&B, and Mexican bolero, the show follows their unlikely bond of solidarity in a reverse border story, highlighting how Mexico had abolished slavery in 1829, offering freedom and citizenship.

Equipped with 48 microphones, the performance pair builds a full band sound from scratch, layering double bass guitars, keyboards, washboard bass, and percussion live on stage – completely galvanizing. But this novel musical masterpiece closes November 21st, so make your run for the border at www.fineartsbuilding.com/mexodus. 

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