Electricidad

by Luis Alfaro

Using the East L.A. barrios as the backdrop for this adaptation of Electra, this modern twist on the Greek tragedy thrusts you into fits of laughter and catches your breath in moments of unimaginable sorrow. The king of the East Side Locos has been murdered and the House of Atridas is in chaos. A young chola enraged by her fathers murder is lost between her desire for revenge and her longing for redemption.

Genres: Plays

Unknown Binding

Published February 1, 2006

Reviews

[Alice]

Fascinating adaptation of the Electra story in the chicano context. I do think there are fair criticisms to be made that the play falls into stereotypes, and the characters are strongly motivated but not the most complex. The play is quite nihilistic too, seeing how one of its final lines is "We never learn." That said, it's worth a read, and I like how Alfaro changes Clitemnestra into Clemencia, a woman whose name is already redeeming and who isn't engaging in an extramarital affair. That makes the tension between her and Electricidad much more compelling, since you are able to sympathize with both sides.

[Andy L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic adaptation of the Greek Electra play by Sophocles.
Electrecidad takes place in East Los Angeles and features many funny and tragic moments. I loved the use of Spanish/English often within the same sentence. Would love to see a staged production of this, including the use of the Oldies songs that are referenced.

[Marian Urteaga · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You hate me porque me ves inside of you. We are more alike than you can ever imagine.”

Luis Alfaro did an amazing job adapting this great Greek play into a contemporary Latinx story.

“Find your courage. Find your rage. Find your darkness.”

[Leia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I think is a good adaptation, although I found kind of annoying the constant use of Spanglish. I know it’s a primordial tool to project cholo rhetoric and culture, but it was too much for me. But it’s a good and original reimagining of Electra.

[Sophia M · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly remarkable re-imagining of Elektra against the backdrop of Chicano culture. Excellent play!

[Kyle Edens · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow, literally no words

[Madeline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Electricidad was my fav, I mean come on…the last scene?!?!? The chanting?!? I really want to play around with set design even more now…

[jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

[daisy · Rating 2 out of 5]

for class

[mengwe · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellently written, loved the Spanglish