Adelina Anthony promises that she’s not really mad; she’s just getting even.
In her one-woman show, “La Angry Xicana,” the Los Angeles comedian explores topics such as politics, religion, the media, queer issues and Hollywood. Tonight, she will be at the University, sponsored by MEChA, the MultiCultural Center and the Women’s Center.
“What I especially like about this is that oftentimes, (people assume) the LGBTQA and LGBTESSP are the only organizations that are discussing queer, lesbian and gay issues,” said Oscar Guerra, MEChA programs coordinator. “Issues of sexuality are definitely relevant within people of color communities, especially in the Chicano and Chicana communities.”
At a glance
Adelina Anthony will perform her one-woman show, “La Angry Xicana,” at 5:30 p.m. in the EMU Ballroom. Sponsored by MEChA, the MultiCultural Center and the Women’s Center, the event is free and open to the public. |
The word “Chicano” is used to describe an American of Mexican descent. Originally from San Antonio, Anthony is a self-described “Xicana-Indigena” and “La Tortillera Your Mama Warned You About!”
Guerra said Anthony is reclaiming the word “tortillera,” a derogatory term for a lesbian, according to UrbanDictionary.com.
MCC program adviser Steve Morozumi said “La Angry Xicana” is a good program for the University because it could potentially broaden a lot of people’s horizons.
“(‘La Angry Xicana’ is not) just going to be like kind of the superficial humor you see on TV, but that comes from a certain positionality of being at the nexus of various oppressions, being feminist and indigenous and queer,” Morozumi said.
While he has never seen Anthony perform, Morozumi said she came highly recommended from some of his colleagues; he added that she reminds him a little bit of Jade Esteban Estrada.
In March 2006, Esteban came to the University and performed “ICONS: The Lesbian and Gay History of the World, Volume 1” and enacted various queer icons including ancient Greek poet Sappho, transgender activist Sylvia Rivera and Ellen DeGeneres.
“I think this is the type of thing that should happen all the time so that people are able to understand and appreciate each other’s experiences, and humanity,” Morozumi said.
“La Angry Xicana” is about breaking down walls and blurring boundaries, and Guerra said Anthony’s humor can help get her message across.
“I think it’s important and relevant to discuss queer issues in a way where you don’t have to sit down and be educated, whether in a classroom or during a serious discussion,” he said. “I think there’s a lot to be learned through comedy.”
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