Synopsis:
Set in present day, sixteen-year-old Xochitl Fernandez dreams of becoming a folklorico dancer. Her mother, Ofelia, vehemently opposes the idea, urging Xochitl to focus on college, pursue a well-paying job for stability, and assimilate as the best possible American. Constantly on the move from city to city, the duo finally finds a semblance of home in Tejas. However, their stability is shattered when Ofelia, on the brink of a promotion at her energy drink company, is abducted by the villainous HELADO and his gatito army.

Xochitl is left in the dark about her mother's whereabouts until her pet chihuahua, Chicalinga, reveals a family secret (yes, a talking perro). To her amazement, Xochitl discovers that she shares a special power with her her mother and grandmother – the power of Zapata! In a quest to rescue her ama from Helado, Xochitl embarks on a journey down El Camino De Las Estrellas to find Mazatepa, Mexico, essential for fully unlocking the power of Zapata. She will be tested along the way and will need to call on specific traditional Ballet Folklorico dance moves to pass tests. Along the way, she receives assistance from her trusty sidekick, Chicalinga. ¡Ajua!

If you are a producer and/or theater company who is interested in producing Zapata, the world premiere will be at Zach Theatre in March 2026. We are currently taking meetings to discuss future productions and tours.