What: “The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity” by Kristoffer Diaz
When: October 11, 12, 13, and 14 at 7 p.m.
Tickets: Tickets are $15 per performance. To reserve a ticket, visit www.csudh.edu/theatre/tickets.
Contact: Call the CSUDH Performing Arts Department at (310) 243-3589.
The California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) Department of Theatre and Dance presents “The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity” by Kristoffer Diaz, directed by Theatre faculty Stefani Baez. Performances are on the University Theatre stage, and the show will run October 11, 12, 13, and 14 at 7 p.m.
Kristoffer Diaz’ Pulitzer Prize Finalist play “The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity” follows the life of wrestler Macedonio Guerra. As a lifelong fan, he has followed wrestling only to become a “jobber,” one who is paid to lose to bigger-name stars in the ring, including the biggest star Chad Deity. Macedonio meets Vigneshwar Paduar, a young Indian man from Brooklyn, who he wants to team up with. The wrestling execs go for it, but pitch them as “terrorists” in the ring. Macedonio and Vigneshwar find a way to push the personas to the limits and say what needs to be said. Unspoken racism, politics, and courage are all woven into this play that leaves it all on the mat.
Baez feels that “The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity” raises questions about racial identity and pop culture in our society. This geopolitical allegory dissects race, xenophobia, ego, and our moral compass. Baez notes, “This story is told through the eyes of the guy who loses the match. He struggles to maintain hope in the American Dream when he sees that opportunity is offered only discriminately.” She feels this show is even more appropriate for our students to experience now than when it was written twelve years ago.
Tickets to “The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity” are $10 for students and $15 for General Admission. Tickets may be purchased for in-person experience at www.csudh.edu/theatre/tickets.
Performances will take place in the University Theatre, located on the CSUDH campus, 1000 E. Victoria St. For driving directions and a map of campus, visit www.csudh.edu/directions. Parking permits are $10 and may be purchased at kiosks near each lot.