Maria Otera
Maria is the heart of La Llorona, a mother struggling with the overwhelming weight of postpartum depression. As she navigates her new life in the U.S., Maria becomes increasingly isolated, haunted by the ghostly figure of La Llorona. Her journey is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the desperate search for redemption in the face of unimaginable grief.
Valerie Linsner | September 21 and October 6th
Melanie Rodrigues | October 5th
Manuel Antonio Otera
Manuel is Maria’s husband, caught in the crossfire of her emotional turmoil. He represents the tension between love and responsibility, torn between supporting his wife and managing his own fears and frustrations. His relationship with Maria becomes a central thread in the ballet, highlighting the strain that mental health challenges can place on a family.
Jonathan Bostelman | September 21 and October 6th
Samuel Opsal | October 5th
La Llorona
La Llorona is the ghostly figure that haunts Maria, embodying her darkest fears and deepest regrets. A symbol of Maria’s internal struggle with postpartum depression, La Llorona’s presence grows as Maria’s condition worsens, leading her into a tragic spiral. She is both a force of terror and a representation of the sorrow that consumes Maria.
Lorianne Robertson | September 21 and October 6th
Sarah Clarke | October 5th
Valencia Chavez
Valencia is Maria’s sister, serving as a confidante and a source of both comfort and conflict. Her presence in Maria’s life becomes a flashpoint for Maria’s growing paranoia and suspicions, ultimately deepening the emotional complexity of the narrative. Valencia’s own struggles with loyalty and love add layers to the story, making her a crucial character in Maria’s journey.
Kayla Kowach | September 21 and October 6th
Jenni Richards | October 5th
Doña Celina Otera
Doña Celina is the matriarch, embodying both stern authority and deep compassion. As Maria’s mother-in-law, she attempts to provide support but often finds herself at odds with the young mother’s struggles. Doña Celina’s journey reflects the challenges of caring for a loved one battling mental illness, and the strain it places on familial bonds.
Sarach Clarke | September 21
Miranda Rubio Opsal | October 5th
Elizabeth Marlin | October 6th
Jacinta Otera
Maria and Manuel’s oldest daughter
Caedence Sajdowitz | September 21st and October 5th
Sophia Snider | October 6th
Malena Otera
Maria and Manuel’s youngest daughter
Lauren Rios | September 21st and October 6th
Marissa Woo | October 5th
Corps de Baile
The Corps de Baile in La Llorona plays a vital role in bringing the story’s emotional and cultural depth to life. The dancers are the embodiment of the community’s spirit, shifting from lively market scenes to the haunting presence of Maria’s inner demons. Through intricate footwork and powerful group choreography, the Corps de Baile enhances the narrative, portraying everything from the bustling energy of Santa Fe to the eerie, spectral figures that surround Maria. Their performance is essential in creating the rich, atmospheric tapestry that defines La Llorona.
Corps de Baile | September 21st
Grace Blando, Mark David Bloodgood (Guest Artist), Natalie Chinn, Katrina Clarke, Evelyn DeKam, Maggie Degroote, Christian English, Lezlie Gray, Annaliese Icard, Darissy Matais, Elizabeth Marlin, Ellington Nichols, Samuel Opsal, Jorja Pomponio, Jenni Richards, Melanie Rodrigues, Miranda Rubio, Sophia Snider, Autumn Stull, John Szwast, Rachel Walker, Marissa Woo.
Corps de Baile | October 5th
Mark David Bloodgood (Guest Artist), Jonathan Bostelman, Mary Emma Bennett, Natalie Chinn, Katrina Clarke, Maggie Degroote, Christian English, Ashley Egan, Lezlie Gray, Darissy Matais, Jordan Mallette, Elizabeth Marlin, Ellington Nichols, Lauren Rios, Sophia Snider, Savannah Stach, Selah Strong, Marina Strong, Autumn Stull, John Szwast, Mary Lynn Tung, and Sophia Yoo.
Corps de Baile | October 6th
Mark David Bloodgood (Guest Artist), Mary Emma Bennett, Natalie Chinn, Katrina Clarke, Evelyn DeKam, Maggie Degroote, Christian English, Elizabeth Goetz, Lezlie Gray, John Szwast, Ellington Nichols, Darissy Matais, Miranda Rubio, Jenni Richards, Melanie Rodrigues, Savannah Stach, Selah Strong, Marina Strong, Autumn Stull, Samuel Opsal, Marissa Woo, Sophia Yoo.
World Premiere
September 27th
Solo Artist | Kayla Kowach
Lead Artist | Sarah Clarke
Lead Artist | Lorianne Robertson
Lead Artist | Elizabeth Marlin
Company Artist | Melanie Rodrigues