“Mojada: A Medea in Los Angeles” is a gripping modern retelling of the ancient Greek tragedy Medea, set within the Mexican immigrant experience in contemporary Los Angeles. Written by acclaimed playwright Luis Alfaro, a Chicano artist known for reimagining classical works through a Latinx lens, the play fuses myth with the harsh realities faced by undocumented families.
The story follows Medea, a talented seamstress who has fled Mexico with her partner Jason and their young son, seeking safety and opportunity in the U.S. But as Medea navigates a new world of exploitation, fear, and cultural dislocation, Jason becomes enticed by the promises of assimilation and success—at a devastating cost. The play explores love, betrayal, sacrifice, and the unrelenting pull of the past.
Alfaro, born and raised in downtown Los Angeles, has long been drawn to the classical canon as a way to illuminate modern social issues. His Medea adaptation emerged from community engagement with Mexican and immigrant populations in LA, blending their stories with timeless themes of exile and survival.
Mojada offers an emotionally powerful exploration of the immigrant journey, highlighting both its triumphs and tragedies. It is a story of resilience, identity, and the unbreakable ties to one’s roots.