Working Title: La Catrina & Posada

A Grave Dance or Grave Dancing

A One Act Play by Jim Nikas

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Status: This play is a work in progress. On November 17, 2023, a stage reading was held at the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts in SanFrancisco, CA. The part of José Guadalupe Posada was played by Carlos Barón and La Catrina was played by Tess Konig-Martinez. It was directed by Carolina Sosa. Music was provided by The Mission Bohemia Trio. At this time the play is being revised.

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Synopsis

José Guadalupe Posada sits alone in his simple Mexico City apartment drinking tequila as he has done for years at the end of each calendar year. He is despondent, having a bit of an existential crises, questioning the worth of his life’s work, when he is suddenly visited by a mysterious yet familiar messenger. It is his creation known now as la Catrina. Has she come to comfort him? Or perhaps this calavera has a bone to pick with him on some hot issues? Real or dream, a debate ensues to a final dance in the grave.

 

Actors:

Male: José Guadalupe Posada

Female: La Catrina

​Estimated Performance Time: Approx. one hour
 

Questions or information

Contact: Jim Nikas

Email: posadaartfoundation@gmail.com

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Image Credit: The calavera “Catrina” in the above image is by José Guadalupe Posada and the image of Posada is borrowed from the 1953 linocut paying homage to Posadaby Leopoldo Mendez.