Magical realism, syncretism, & decolonization: a Latina director’s approach to Braided sorrow by Marisela Treviño Orta

This thesis details the artistic process of Natalie Villamonte Zito as the director of Braided Sorrow by Marisela Treviño Orta, which was produced as part of the University of Iowa’s 2022-2023 mainstage season; detailing her journey from play selection, artistic visions and impulses, in-depth research, play analysis, design collaborations, casting, rehearsal process, performances, culminating with a post-production reflection of the experience. The ultimate objective for this production aimed to manifest an authentic representation of the Mexican and Mexica spirit on an Iowan stage; encompassing Mexica folklore, mythology, connection to the land, and the complex spiritual faith that is Mexican Folk Catholicism. In order to achieve this goal, the white gaze and viewpoint had to be eliminated ensuring that the decisions regarding cultural representations were not coming from a white perspective; thus, allowing a Latiné lense to craft the world of the play. Drawing on her lived experience as a Latina, and the extensive cultural and indigenous pre-production research conducted in México, she embraced the accepted supernatural elements and ideas that have been woven into the cultural and spiritual history of México for centuries; letting that guide her work on this process.