On Thursday, April 11, CalArts Center for New Performance (CNP) presents the world premiere of Passage of the Spiral (Pasadizo en Spiral) at REDCAT in downtown Los Angeles. This groundbreaking documentary, directed by CalArts alum Natalia Lassalle-Morillo (Theater MFA 20), explores the lives of students and artists navigating the challenges of real and imagined borders, yet connected through their unyielding passion for storytelling.
Passage of the Spiral takes viewers on a journey from the historic town of Santo Domingo Yanhuitlán in Oaxaca, Mexico, across the vast landscapes of California, and into the realms of theater. At its core, the film showcases the experiences of young individuals from the Mixteca region of México and Los Angeles, highlighting their roles in the transnational migration narrative and their collaborative efforts in the arts.
The documentary is rooted in the multiyear development of the theatrical play El Camino Donde Nosotros Lloramos (The Road Where We Weep), produced by the acclaimed Mexican theater company Lagartijas Tiradas al Sol. It delves deep into themes of migration, identity, and the inherent human right to cross borders, sparked by the economic and social challenges driving people from the Mixteca region to seek new beginnings in California. Through these artistic endeavors, the project questions the dynamics of representation, the power of storytelling, and the impact of migration on communities and their children.
Passage of the Spiral is a bilingual presentation, offering subtitles in both English and Spanish. The premiere will be followed by a post-screening dialogue with director Lassalle-Morillo, moderated by REDCAT Chief Curator and Deputy Director of Programs Daniela Lieja Quintanar, providing audiences with deeper insights into the film’s creation and themes.
Watch the trailer for Passage of the Spiral below.
Lassalle-Morillo is celebrated for her transdisciplinary approach to art, combining elements of experimental film, live performance, and installation to challenge conventional narratives and celebrate untold stories. Her work, which has been showcased internationally, reimagines history and culture through the lens of Caribbean collective memory and the impacts of imperialism.
Lagartijas Tiradas al Sol has been at the forefront of artistic innovation since 2003. Led by Luisa Pardo and Lázaro Gabino Rodríguez, the collective focuses on erasing borders between life and art, providing new perspectives on overlooked aspects of society through their engaging and thought-provoking projects.
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