The UTEP Theatre and Dance Department will present  “The House on Mango Street,” directed by Rebecca Rivas, at the Wise Family Theatre in the Fox Fine Arts Center beginning on Sept. 22. The play is an adaptation of Sandra’s Cisneros’ book by Amy Ludwig, and both Rivas and Ludwig want to bring life to the novel that demonstrates what girls face during adolescence. The play explores topics  such as sexual experiences, abuse, poverty and mental toughness.

The play follows Esperanza, a young girl who is clueless about sex and her own sexuality, but  is eager to learn about it from people such as her friend Marin.

Esperanza uses writing as a tool to escape from the reality of experiencing a sexual assault and her life on Mango Street. Her writing detaches her from the neighborhood and her family, which may take her out of her neighborhood for good.

Esperanza experiences a series of changes, mentally and sexually, when she and her friends start to roam the Chicago streets at night in high-heeled shoes. 

Since the novel is based on a young Latina girl, this play may give insight to what young girls deal with in their own community.

Adriana Dominguez, audience director for the theater department, said that the production of “The House on Mango Street” will be a great play that is brought to life by reenacting the novel.

“The House on Mango Street is relatable to the El Paso community,” Dominguez said. 

In preparation for the play, the cast practically memorized the novel so the audience can get the narrative form as well as the true dialogue of what is taking place in each scene. 

“I hope that (the audience) react the way the readers have,” said Rivas. “To take pride in their culture as well as a reflection of culture, not only Latino, but growing up as a young girl dealing with various adolescent issues.”

The main objective of the play for Rivas is allowing the audience to use their imagination, as if they were reading the novel and imagining life in Chicago in the ‘60s.

“I have loved this book for a really long time,” Rivas said. “It opened my eyes to my potential as well as gave me insight on life situations I have not really thought about.”

“The House on Mango Street” have performances on Sept. 22, 23, 29 and 30 and Oct. 1 and 2, with show times at 7:30 p.m., with the exception of Sept. 25 and Oct. 2, which begins at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets are $14 for general admission, $12 for UTEP faculty/staff and military and $9 for UTEP students. Tickets may be purchased at the theater before the show.

Shericka Lawrence may be reached at [email protected].