There is a musical that you need to experience. It’s a story that will educate and uplift while unraveling a history we did not learn in school. It’s a story that educates and uplifts while revealing a history rarely taught in schools — a tale of Black and Brown people coming together to help enslaved people escape through the Underground Railroad across the Rio Grande into Mexico. This musical is an exhilarating time at the theater as its creators and performers Nygel D. Robinson and Brian Quijada create songs before our eyes, play multiple instruments and raise their voices in songs that dramatically tell an untold story in this country. “Mexodus” is mesmerizing and has an energy that is contagious.
These two men craft a detailed, brilliant, and captivating story that symbolizes the partnership between enslaved Black people and Brown communities in Mexico, centering on an escaped man named Henry (Robinson). We hear the tale of Henry’s struggles as he is separated from his mother at a young age and sold to another plantation where the lady of the house has her eye on him. Henry does what he has to survive and finds himself on the run. Almost drowning in the river, he is hurt and nursed back to health by Carlos (Quijada), a former Mexican soldier. They develop a relationship that is something very special. It is interesting that Carlos goes to help Henry, even though he was raised to fear Black men as a child. In those times, it was obvious that white men wanted Black and Brown people to not come together, because by dividing us, we were made weaker.
The story shared with the audience is one that will shock you, touch your heart and make you realize that Black and Brown people need to come together and help each other. This musical is imperative to experience. It is important for all generations to know that this occurred. Robinson and Quijada drop dates of historic events and knowledge along with raps and beats. Their singing voices are phenomenal! You will find yourself completely taken with their musical talents and versatility as they play multiple instruments with ease.
This new musical also showcases the strength and resilience of the Black slave. “Mexodus” has dynamic direction by David Mendizabal and is being performed with incredible energy, flair and honesty at Audible’s Minetta Lane Theatre in Lower Manhattan. This musical screams Black and Brown lives do matter.
The production features scenic design by Riw Rakkulchon, costume design by David Mendizabal, lighting design by Mextly Couzin, looping systems architecture and sound design by Mikhail Fiksel; projection design by Johnny Moreno; orchestrations by Mikhail Fiksel, Quijada and Robinson; choreography by Tony Thomas; and splendid direction by David Mendizabal. You can’t experience this musical and not feel changed — enlightenment is truly a beautiful thing.
Go and see this show and take as many people as you can. It is only running through November 1. This history must be acknowledged and shared. These facts of a partnership between Black slaves and Brown people did happen and cannot be erased or ignored! For tickets visit mexodus.org.