Lauren Wimer Photographer
More than 40 singers, dancers and actors performed Friday night for MEChA’s annual talent show, Xicano Xplosion.
The 16 acts featured choreographed dances, poem readings, songs and plays, and a double-jointed “comedic contortionist” whose monologue made audience members laugh and cringe.
“Our goal was to get talent from here in the University and also go out to the community, Eugene and Springfield,” MEChA Program Director Jose Pena said.
Pena added that despite the talent show’s name, participation was not limited to Chicanos.
“We want to make it as diverse as possible,” said Denisse Guadarrama, who recruited the performers.
This year’s Xicano Xplosion — pronounced “Chicano explosion” — attracted more than 150 people to the Fir Room. Performers alternately stood, danced and
contorted themselves on a stage near the back of the room.
Springfield High School students performed “Los Vendidos,” or “The Sellouts,” which addressed how popular culture pigeonholes Mexican-Americans into stereotypes, SHS multicultural liaison Juan Carlos said.
Twelve students from Jefferson Middle School performed “Fulanito,” a hip-swiveling, twisting merengue dance.
“Our group is called Ganas,” eighth-grade student Alma Reyes said, referring to the middle school club for Chicano students.
Students of the Indian Subcontinent members Jessica Nair and Edwin Prasad performed “Nao Nao,” an Indian dance.
Gerardo Rodriguez sang two love songs, “Tu Eterno Enamorado” and “Vida.”
“I love the feeling of being onstage,” Rodriguez said. “You just gotta say it comes from the heart, you know. It comes from the heart.”
Some performers read poems. Freshman Jose Rosales recited two pieces he wrote. One, “Helping out,” extolled the virtues of giving aid to others. Rosales’ second poem, “Each time,” described a nameless love and expressed sadness that he was not with her.
After the talent show, the chairs were moved, and the remaining audience members danced until 11 p.m.
Rudy Guerrero, 18, a senior at Springfield High School, said his group’s performance of “Los Vendidos” turned out “pretty well.” Friday night was the first time Guerrero performed the 1967 play away from his high school campus, he said.
“I thought it was good. There was a good mix of people and talents,” sophomore Maria Cortez said. “I really enjoyed the last play. That was amazing.”
Peter Sur is a freelance reporter for the Emerald.