Visión Latino Theatre Company has brought a unique and charming autobiographical solo performance to the seventh Destinos: Chicago International Latino Theater Festival. Jocey Villa, the star of the show, takes the audience on a journey through her love of music and how it has been a source of strength in her life. The performance, titled Jocey y Las Mariachis, is a collaboration between Villa and Flavia Pallozzi, directed by Yajaira Custodio.
The cozy basement theater at APO Cultural Center in Pilsen sets the stage for Villa’s storytelling. From her experiences growing up as a Brown girl without representation in the media to navigating the challenges of a failed marriage, Villa’s performance is both heartfelt and engaging. The addition of a real five-piece mariachi band adds depth and authenticity to the musical elements of the show. The band members, including Liliana Cruz, Maria Jarquin, Jennifer Perez, Yazmin Nunez, and Maria de Lourdes Sandoval, provide a rich backdrop for Villa’s vocals, whether she is singing a traditional mariachi song or a contemporary pop hit.
Villa’s stage presence is captivating, and she openly shares her need for audience approval, likening herself to Tinker Bell who thrives on applause. Throughout the performance, Villa also incorporates voiceovers of her inner thoughts, revealing the insecurities and doubts that have influenced her journey as an artist.
What sets Jocey y Las Mariachis apart is its Latinx perspective on the familiar theme of self-discovery and empowerment. Villa’s personal anecdotes, including reflections on her grandparents in Mexico and their love for mariachi music, add a poignant layer to the narrative. Through music, Villa not only celebrates her heritage but also asserts her identity as a bold and talented performer.
In a cultural landscape where representation matters, Villa’s show offers a fresh and authentic voice. While exploring themes of love, loss, and resilience, Jocey y Las Mariachis invites audiences to connect with Villa’s story on a personal level. It is a testament to the power of music and storytelling in shaping one’s identity and finding strength in vulnerability.
As part of the Destinos festival, Jocey y Las Mariachis is a standout production that showcases the talent and creativity of Latinx artists in Chicago. The fusion of music, storytelling, and live performance creates a memorable experience that resonates with audiences long after the final curtain call. Jocey Villa’s dynamic presence on stage is a testament to the transformative power of art and the importance of sharing diverse narratives in the theater.
