I am angry. I am heartbroken. But the heart of a woman beats furiously in a million directions at once, even when it’s shattered into a million pieces.
About This Show
To the U.S.-owned factories in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, La Ruta is just a bus. But to the women who live, work and often disappear along the route, it's so much more than that. Inspired by real testimonies, and using live music to evoke factory work and protest marches, La Ruta is a visceral unearthing of secrets buried in the desert and a celebration of the Mexican women who stand resiliently in the wake of loss.
Isaac Gómez is an award-winning Chicago-based playwright, originally from El Paso, Texas/Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. An important work from a powerful young voice, we are proud to feature the world premiere of Isaac Gómez’s La Ruta with Sandra Marquez in her Steppenwolf directing debut and an all-female cast of Chicago’s most dynamic Latinx artists.
From the playwright
“Every single woman in this play is based on a real person. And although some names have been changed for their protection, the violence they face and their resilience have not. I made a promise to these women that their stories would be heard by as many people as humanly possible, and through this world premiere at Steppenwolf, we are one step closer to keeping that promise -- to bear witness and carry their stories forward. As a queer Mexicano from the border, I owe my entire existence to Mexican women. This play is for them. Para todas. Para siempre.”
Watch & Listen
Running Time
Content Advisory
- Graphic descriptions of sexual violence
- Strong Language
Engagement Series
Every Sunday in January, join us for conversations and performances designed to enrich your experience around La Ruta.
- A conversation with playwright Isaac Gomez and director Sandra Marquez (January 6)
- Expert Panel on Femicide and Violence Against Women (January 13)
- The Way She Spoke Staged Reading (January 20)
- ALTA presents Noche Victoria: Revival (January 27)
Events and Offers
Wednesdays – $25 Cultural Industry days (matinees and evening shows, use code CULTURAL)
Thursdays – pay your age and 2-for-1 credit nights for RED Card members
Fridays – pre-show live DJ at Front Bar Dec 21, 28, Jan 4, 11, 18, 25
Saturdays – 2-for-1 credit matinees for Black Card members
Sundays – post-show events following matinees in January
Additional Info
Cast & Artists
The Artists
- Author Isaac Gómez
- Director Sandra Marquez
- Scenic Designer Regina García
- Costume Design Christine Pascual
- Lighting Design Jesse Klug
- Sound Design Mikhail Fiksel
- Projection Design Rasean Davonte Johnson
- Music Direction Zacbe Pichardo
- Vocal Direction Andra Velis Simon
- Fight Choreography Gaby Labotka
- Company Voice & Text Coach Gigi Buffington
- Stage Manager Christine D. Freeburg
- Assistant Stage Manager Amanda Landis
- Dramaturg Polly Hubbard
Featured Ensemble Members
Quotes
“Filled with fraught, intensely emotional scenes. The all-women ensemble delivers a collection of extraordinary performances. Despite being set in the past, “La Ruta” has plenty of contemporary relevance”
- Chicago Sun-Times
“Unflinching, passionately acted premiere. Unrelenting tension animates the haunting, harrowing "La Ruta," which crescendos from a quiet whimper to an anguished cri de coeur. It's difficult to watch. Sandra Marquez's well-informed direction and her accomplished cast, however, make it impossible to look away.”
- Daily Herald
“Talented 27-year-old writer’s new drama with music...tells of the women of Juarez, murdered on their way to work. [Gomez] fulfilled his promise. He honors them with every word. Alive or dead, you feel them in the bones of this young play”
- Chicago Tribune
“Countless moments of sheer theatrical beauty, brought to life under the seamless, passionate direction of Sandra Marquez. With “La Ruta,” a play inspired by the true stories of the women of Juárez, Gomez has crafted an act of storytelling whose primary function is as noble as any act of pure human inspiration one can find in the theater: keeping these women and their daughters alive.”
- Newcity
“Bold, beautiful and timely piece of art....La Ruta triumphs. Sandra Marquez leads a stunningly talented all-female cast to an unmitigated dramatic victory. The setting may be Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, but the struggles of these poor, strong, beautiful women are universal. La Ruta is a must-see.”
– Broadway World
Related Articles
"You don't know Isaac Gomez, but you will after his 'La Ruta,' a tragic tale of life on the border" (access limited/paywalled)
— Chicago Tribune
Special Performances
Preview performances:
December 13 - December 19
ASL interpretation:
Saturday, January 26 at 3pm
Open-captioned:
Thursday, January 10 at 7:30 and Saturday, January 26 at 3pm
Audio-described and touch tour:
Sunday, January 13 touch tour at 1:30, performance at 3pm
Sponsors
Major Production Sponsors
I am angry. I am heartbroken. But the heart of a woman beats furiously in a million directions at once, even when it’s shattered into a million pieces.
Special Performances
Preview performances:
December 13 - December 19
ASL interpretation:
Saturday, January 26 at 3pm
Open-captioned:
Thursday, January 10 at 7:30 and Saturday, January 26 at 3pm
Audio-described and touch tour:
Sunday, January 13 touch tour at 1:30, performance at 3pm
Sponsors
Major Production Sponsors