A theatrical zine with music

Punk music finds life in one of L.A.’s oldest adobe homes in this original theaterwork. Set in the early 1980s in working-class Bell Gardens, three young punk musicians from disparate cultures squat in a vacant house. As the trio builds its punk songbook, and a life-size zine, they define their artistic identity and find their place in the musical and historic landscape of L.A.

This interdisciplinary theaterwork of historical fiction was created by a collaborative team of artists. Gabriel Garza and Theresa Chavez, a mother/son team and 7th and 8th generation Californios, are co-creating the narrative. Chavez is directing, with Music Director Sage Lewis overseeing the overall music/sound, and creating sound collages that represent the house itself. Set designer/visual artist Dorothy Hoover is helming the modular set design central to the narrative. Songs are written by Chavez and Nina Diaz.

Adobe Punk held its World Premiere on March 19th, 2022 at the Margo Albert Theater at Plaza de la Raza in Lincoln Heights.

Isaac Cruz as "Manny" (top) makes a declaration witnessed by Giselle Etessami as "Kat" (left) and Karis Brizendine as "Noreen" (right). Photo Credit: Rob Aft

The trio performs as the band Bell System; (l-r) Giselle Etessami as "Kat," Isaac Cruz as "Manny" and Karis Brizendine as "Noreen." Photo Credit: Rob Aft

Isaac Cruz as "Manny" plays drums in the band "Bell System”. Photo Credit: Rob Aft

Karis Brizendine as "Noreen" Adobe Punk plays guitar in the band, "Bell System," during a performance of "Adobe Punk." Photo Credit: Rob Aft

Giselle Etessami as "Kat" plays bass in the band, "Bell System," during a performance of "Adobe Punk." Photo Credit: Rob Aft

Adobe Punk PHOTO 3_22 - Trio Pogos (RAft 51_59).jpg

The trio argues in a scene from a performance of "Adobe Punk" ; (l-r) " Isaac Cruz as "Manny", Giselle Etessami as "Kat, and Karis Brizendine as "Noreen." Photo Credit: Rob Aft

FROM THE PRESS:

““I was intrigued by the intersecting narratives of architecture, L.A. history and punk. The smart staging — the show was directed by Chavez, with set design by Dorothy Hoover — gives Adobe Punk an added dimension.””

— Carolina A. Miranda, LA Times

“Evoking stage musical, rock show, and performance art, the organic format [of Adobe Punk] promises something fresh for both theatre lovers and live music fans, especially after the pandemic hibernation most of us have been in.” - Lina Lecaro, LA Weekly Culture Pick

"The musician-actors captured the essence of punk with impressive musicality and subtle nuances." Miguel Costa, Music Connection

**Audiences LOVE Adobe Punk!**

"Enjoyed it! The band was excellent, and I appreciated the details of the set and the use of the film/video."

"Very engaging story. Loved the performers."

"Inspiring, Uplifting, Compelling."

"I love how [the show creators] wove together the past of this place, this land, with this other past: the punk scene."

Members of the Lugo Family pose at Bell Gardens adobe, ca. 1892

CAST & CREW:

Co-Created by: Theresa Chavez and Gabriel Garza
Directed by: Theresa Chavez
Songs by: Theresa Chavez and Nina Diaz
Music Direction by: Sage Lewis
Set Design by: Dorothy Hoover
Production Stage Management by: Angela Sonner
Cast: Karis Brizendine, Isaac Cruz, and Giselle Etessami
Produced by: About…Productions

This production is supported by: