El Rayo; or Self-Deportation Nation

ABOUT THE PLAY

El Rayo; or Self-Deportation Nation, is about three siblings, Karina and Jason, who are undocumented, and Lalo, who was born in the US, navigating their lives as an immigrant family in California's Central Valley. The play explores their lives, their dreams, and what it means to be stuck. As they are dealing with their own personal struggles, the planet is dealing with a global emergency: the arrival of aliens. News reporters Gayle, Mark, Jessica, and army soldier Lance discuss how the world is dealing with the fear and uncertainty of these extra-terrestrial visitors. Should global governments fear the unknown, or should they try to work with the visitors? In this deeply personal and at times satirical play, a typical coming-of-age story is reimagined in a reality that is widely ignored in our society.

Hello, my name is Claudio Laso, I’m the director of El Rayo; or Self-Deportation Nation, written by Rodolfo Robles Cruz. I’m also the creator of Playhouse Fresno! A new theatre company in Fresno, CA that focuses on developing original works by local writers. I need your help with our inaugural production, which is slated to perform June 12th-14th. 

I’m trying to raise $2,500 by June 1st. This will help me buy equipment, costumes, props, and set pieces I need to make this first production a fully realized vision. This will also help pay the designers, it will help pay venue fees, and it will help us get the word out about our show. 

WHY THIS MATTERS 

There are over 30 theatre companies from Stockton to Bakersfield. In Fresno, there are more than 15 theatre collectives. Theatre is alive and well in the Central Valley. But the majority of these companies tend to put on productions that aren’t fully representative of the community they reside in. According to the 2024 census, 50.9% of Fresno's population is Latine. We are the majority, but you wouldn’t know by looking at local productions. To the point where some companies are comfortable casting a role that is intended to be played by a person of color to a white performer. Supporting Playhouse Fresno helps push against that narrative. It helps us make a positive change in theatre. Your support helps us develop works that represent and respect our diverse communities. 

This is especially important during a time when our current administration is slashing funding to the arts and making pointed attacks towards our community. The voices of people of color and people in the LGBTQIA+ community are actively being silenced by the powers that be. Supporting this production helps us fight back. Because art is resistance, this play is resistance.

HISTORY

Playhouse Fresno is the product of my dreams coming true. I’ve been an active theatre maker in California’s Central Valley for a little over ten years now. I’ve been in the Selma Arts Council in Selma, CA, since 2017. During my time there, I’ve helped creatives get their foot in the door in many ways. In 2019, I created the Selma Originals, a playwriting event that has had multiple iterations since, all focused on putting on original plays or musicals by local writers in the Central Valley. I’ve also produced multiple fundraiser events, including a D&D live play event called We Slay Monsters, which had a contained two-and-a-half-hour session played on stage with a live audience. I’ve been the producer for 8 productions/events and have directed 8 productions since joining the council. All these projects have furthered my understanding of what our theatre community members need and want from a theatre company. My goal is to make Playhouse Fresno a place for artists to feel seen and appreciated for their work. The past ten years of work have led me to this moment, to give back, to create a space for artists to thrive. 

With all of this in mind, El Rayo; or Self-Deportation Nation, is the perfect first show for Playhouse Fresno because it embodies so much of what our mission statement sets out to do. This show was written by Rodolfo Robles Cruz, who was born in Mexico and raised in Fresno, CA. It’s a play about the immigrant experience right here in the Central Valley of California. The cast is made up solely of diverse performers. All of the actors are being paid for their time, which is mostly unheard of in our theatre community. The show is a pay-what-you-can model for audience members, and all Fresno Unified students get into the show for free with a valid student ID. Playhouse Fresno is already living up to its promise. Now, I just need your help to make our first production meet its full potential. 

What your support returns to YOU 

By supporting this project, you will be rewarded handsomely with gifts and goodies! 

Thank You!

Any amount you donate is appreciated. To show proof of that, we will include your name or business in our program! These programs will be handed to every audience member who attends our show.

$15 - Playhouse Fresno Sticker 

Represent your support for us with our first-ever stickers! Locally printed, durable, and perfect for your laptop, water bottle, or wherever you like to put stickers.

$20 - Special shout-out on Social Media

Receive a special shout-out in our thank you posts on social media, where you or your business will be listed and tagged. 

$50 - Show Poster 

Receive an 11x17 poster of our amazing show artwork designed by Ram Reyes, @oversettext

$60 - Signed Show Poster

Receive an 11x17 poster of our amazing show artwork designed by Ram Reyes, @oversettext, signed by the cast and crew! 

$100 - Become A Season Sponsor!

You will be listed as a sponsor for this production AND everything we do in the upcoming year or two. And we have A LOT planned.

$150 - Printed Copy Of The Script 

Receive a printed copy of this version of the script. This play is still in development, as most art pieces are; it will go on to live many lives. But you can hold onto this iteration of its life with a bound copy of the script.