La Llorona
A new play by Gabby Wolfe
About the Play.
The weeping woman of Latin American myth and legend is more than just a warning for misbehaving youths. This ghost story takes us on a horrifying journey back in time to meet La Llorona in the flesh and to watch as the tragic young woman becomes a thing of nightmares. La Llorona's origin story weaves us through three generations of women and their relationship with family, love, and colonization.
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Characters:
Esperanza 20s, Latine Female
Wants “more” than the life her parents had. Frustrated by her Mother's willingness to go along with what has been handed to them in life. Observant, intuitive, headstrong, passionate, rash.
Hernan 20s/30s Hispanic/Latine Male
Dona Elena’s nephew. The next generation in a long line of Dons. Handsome, quiet, fascinated by what his life “could be” instead of what it’s planned to be.
Mama Ana 50s Female Latine
Esperanza’s Mother. Latina/Indigenous, widowed. Single mother to Esperanza. Caring, warm, strong. Worries like many mothers
Doña Elena 50s Female Hispanic
A noblewoman from Spain, while she may come across as shallow, she’s very passionate about her family’s work in Latin America. Constantly planning, and strategizing
Ramón 20s Male Latine
Esperanza’s childhood friend. 18-25. Works in the mines. Has had a boy-next-door crush on Esperanza for years. Doesn’t trust the authority in place. Loyal, caring, good-humored, willing to sacrifice.
Ofelia 20s Female Hispanic/Latine
A young noblewoman, Early-Mid 20s, friend of Dona Elena, she aspires to be Hernan’s wife, so that she can assume a powerful role in her community. But she also knows that such aspirations may come with a cost.
Ensemble Varying Ages/Latine
photography: Mark Williams Hoelscher
Development/Production History
Workshop -Washington D.C 2023
Workshop at Kennedy Center as part of Local Theatre Artist in Residence program.
World Premiere - Washington D.C 2022
World Premiere production of La Llorona with We Happy Few Productions
Workshop/Reading - Washington D.C 2021
Public Reading through We Happy Few Productions at Capitol Hill Arts Workshop
What Press are Saying....
"And therein lies the thematic heart of Wolfe’s work. La Llorona is a ghost story, yes, but the monster we see is haunted just as much as she haunts — and that feeling will sit with you long after it scares you." - DC Theatre Arts Review
"Wolfe’s retelling bestows a fabled monster with an unusual dose of empathy, and makes room for women to cry. Though their weeping can be chilling, the reasons for their tears are far more sinister. Ultimately, this weeping woman is not only someone to run from, but someone to cry with." - Washington City Paper Review
"As enduring as the legend of the weeping woman has been in Latin culture, it's never been given as much attention as other scary creatures of the season - or a definitive theatrical story. With its simplicity and passion, Wolfe's "La Llorona" may change that." -Broadway World Review