||| written & directed by Gabriel Garza & Theresa Chavez ||| in collaboration with designers dorothy hoover (set) & sage lewis (sound) ||| Music/Lyrics by Nina Diaz (Girl in a Coma) & Theresa Chavez |||
Performed in real-time with original music, this brand new iteration of Adobe Punk finds a trio of young musicians squatting in one of L.A.’s oldest adobe homes in early 1980s Bell Gardens.
Inspired by the bands X, Bags, and the Minutemen, the group
rehearses in preparation for their debut show. Finding respite and
repulsion amongst one another, a fire is starting within the group.
Will they be able to harness the flame or will it burn them down?
PRESS QUOTES
“Evoking stage musical, rock show, and performance art, [Adobe Punk] promises something fresh for both theatre lovers and live music fans.
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“I was intrigued by the intersecting narratives of architecture, L.A. history and punk. The smart staging gives Adobe Punk an added dimension.”
Carolina A. Miranda, L.A. Times
"The musician-actors captured the essence of punk with impressive musicality and subtle nuances."
Miguel Costa, Music Connection
PLAYING
MARCH 28, 2025 to APRIL 13, 2025
Plaza de la Raza’s Margo Albert Theatre
3540 N. Mission Road
Los Angeles, CA 90031
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The “Adobe Punk” cast (l-r): Isaac Cruz as “Manny; Sara Bunge as “Noreen”; Margarita Brighton as “Kat”.
CAST
Isaac CRUZ as...MANNY
Sara BUNGE as...NOREEN
Margarita BRIGHTON as...KAT
FEATURING:
Punk in Place: Concerts and Casuals Shot by Theresa Kereakes
Curated by Adobe Punk Co-Writer Gabriel Garza
Photographer Theresa Kereakes, photo credit: Guy Furrow
The fictional band in Adobe Punk, Bell Systems, is inspired by the groups they regularly see perform around Los Angeles. Photographer Theresa Kereakes was there to see and capture the late 70s/early 80s scene that lights a fire under band members Manny, Kat, and Noreen to create their songbook. From up close and personal to positioned in the crowd, Kereakes's photos portray the rawness of the L.A. punk scene and beyond, as well as more casual moments. In both cases, the punks take center stage, their energies exude from their being, and boldness is embodied in their documented behavior.
The exhibit is held in the lobby of Plaza de la Raza's Margo Albert Theatre. A viewing of the exhibit is included in ticket purchases of Adobe Punk.
Pre-show Opening Reception: Sunday, March 30th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
From Theresa Kereakes’ Gallery:
Hosted by Jessica Schwartz, Associate Professor of Musicology at UCLA, the Adobe Punk: the concert Mini-Session Interviews were conducted onstage prior to each concert, with with punk trailblazers Nina Diaz, Jesse Velo, mike watt, Lisa Fancher, Teresa Covarrubias, and Jimmy Alvarado.
CLICK the tiles below to listen to each episode for free.
CLICK the tiles below to listen to each episode for free.
This production is supported by:
