Latino Theater Company’s ‘A Girl Grows Wings’ inspired by undocumented testimonials

Latino Theater Company and Mexico’s Organización Secreta Teatro present the U.S. premiere of “A Girl Grows Wings.” Commissioned by Latino Theater Company and developed in the company’s Circle of Imaginistas playwriting group, this work by Chicana playwright Marisela Treviño Orta premiered earlier this year in an interdisciplinary production developed and devised by Mexico City’s Organización Secreta Teatro, directed by artistic director Rocío Carrillio. That production now makes its way back to Latino Theater Company for a two-week run, Oct. 12 through Oct. 20 at The Los Angeles Theatre Center in downtown L.A. (Following its initial two-week run, A Girl Grows Wings will see additional performances as part of Latino Theater Company’s upcoming Encuentro 2024 Latino/a/x theater festival, set to take place Oct. 24 through Nov. 10.)

Inspired by testimonials and essays written by young, undocumented immigrants known as “Dreamers,” “A Girl Grows Wings” depicts one girl’s journey as she navigates the fallout her status inflicts on her hopes and dreams. The daughter of undocumented immigrants who fled violence in their home country, Alma’s parents cross the border when she is just an infant. At the age of 18, Alma begins to navigate the world of possibility in the only country she’s ever called home. However, learning of her undocumented status presents new challenges and betrayals. Alma goes on a journey to reconnect with her fractured cultural identity and her familial roots. Triumphing over adversity, she grows her wings in a touchingly beautiful and imaginative style.

“A Girl Grows Wings” opens on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 8 p.m., with performances thereafter on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. through Oct. 20. Two preview performances take place on Thursday, Oct. 10 and Friday, Oct. 11, both at 8 p.m. All tickets are Pay-What-You-Can in $5 increments: $10, $15, $20, $25. $30, $35, $40, $45 except the previews and the Thursday night performance, each of which is a flat $10.

The Los Angeles Theatre Center is located at 514 S. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90013. Parking is available for $8 with box office validation at Los Angeles Garage Associate Parking structure at 545 S. Main St., Los Angeles, CA 90013 (between 5th and 6th Streets, just behind the theater).