Pondering its complicated layers, a Latina dives deep into her California ancestral history and how she should embrace it on a personal, political and cultural level. How can she connect to a past that has been nearly lost in time and move forward with a deeper sense of her identity?

Written and directed by Theresa Chavez, and with original video, music, painting, and vintage photography, L.A. Real peels away L.A.’s fantasy past to find a deeper, visceral connection for the 8th generation Latina.

Following this solo performance piece featuring actress Marlene Beltran, selected student monologues written by local youth through the "Art of the Monologue" workshops will be presented. As with the Latina in L.A. Real, these students from L.A.-area public high schools have explored their own self-identity.