ABOUT THIS SHOW
Due to popular demand, Steppenwolf Theatre Company will remount I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter during the 2020/21 season. There will be student matinées available as part of our Steppenwolf for Young Adults series, as well as public performances for our main series. To learn more about this upcoming production, click here.
A world premiere adaptation of Erika L. Sánchez’s award-winning novel, I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter follows Julia, a Chicago high school student as she navigates trials and tribulations of following her dreams of becoming a writer alongside the death of her sister, Olga—who might not have been quite as perfect as she seemed. This poignant and vibrant new work is a love story to young Chicanas who, in trying to find the truth about the people and the world around them, end up finding themselves.
Isaac Gómez is an award-winning Chicago-based playwright, originally from El Paso, Texas/Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. We are proud to debut this collaboration between Gómez and director and ensemble member Sandra Marquez, following the success of their critically acclaimed production of La Ruta.
Help us spread the word about I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter! Use #mexicandaughterSYA on social media to join the conversation.
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter STUDY GUIDE
Every student who comes to a performance of I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter recieves a study guide from Steppenwolf Education. Explore the study guide.
Interested in having your students experience this show? Registration is available starting November 1, 2020. If you are not already receiving emails from Steppenwolf Education, put your email address here to receive notice when registration opens.
Special events
Special post-show discussion followed by book signing with author Erika L. Sánchez
Sunday, March 1
Immediately following the 3pm performance
FREE with ticket to the performance
Upstairs Theatre/ Upstairs Theatre lobby
Patrons are welcome to bring their own copy of the book or purchase one on site.
Special Storycatchers Theatre post-show performance
Saturday, March 14
Immediately following the 3pm performance
FREE
Upstairs Theatre
A special post-show featuring performers from Illinois Youth Center-Chicago who are part of Storycatchers Theatre Firewriters Ensemble. Singing a stirring and lovely song, “Leaving Zacateca”, one young man examines the clashing cultures of his Aztec history and Chicago gang life.
Spanish Language Captioned Performance
Friday, March 13
7:30PM Performance
Upstairs Theatre
March 13 we will be offering a Spanish Language Captioned performance. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling our box office at (312) 335-1650. We are excited to offer this service for the first time at Steppenwolf — thank you for joining us and for helping us find ways to make the experience a good one. We’d be grateful for all feedback so we can improve upon the service going forward.
El 13 de marzo estaremos ofreciendo el programa con subtítulos en español. Los boletos pueden ser adquiridos en línea ó llamando nuestra taquilla, al teléfono (312) 335-1650. Estamos entusiasmados de ofrecer este servicio por primera vez en Steppenwolf- Gracias por unirse a nosotros y por ayudarnos a encontrar maneras de hacer de ésta, una buena experiencia. Agradeceríamos su opinión sobre el servicio, para que podamos mejorarlo en el futuro.
Watch & Listen
Content Advisory
Parents and guardians, please be advised, the play speaks about the following:
- Depression
- Self-harm
- Sexual trauma
- Domestic violence
This play also contains:
Strong language, pot-smoking, the sounds of gunfire and frank conversations about sex.
Stage Effects Advisory
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter contains herbal cigarettes and the sounds of gunfire.
Additional Information
Cast & Artists
The Artists
- Author Erika L. Sánchez
- Playwright Isaac Gómez
- Director Sandra Marquez
- Scenic Designer Arnel Sancianco
- Costume Designer Uriel Gómez
- Lighting Designer Heather Sparling
- Sound Designer Matthew Chapman
- Intimacy and Fight Choreographer Rachel Flesher
- Production Stage Manager Michelle Medvin
- Assistant Stage Manager Jacqueline Saldana
- Casting Director JC Clementz
- Dramaturg Polly Hubbard
Featured Ensemble Members
Tour Sponsors
LEAD TOUR Sponsor
Ralla Klepak Trust for the Performing Arts
TOUR Sponsor