This week I got to catch up with San Francisco Bay Area artist Rogelio Lopez in preparation for his upcoming show, Entre Mucho Machismo Hay Pocos Machos, September 18-20 at Dance Mission Theater (SF).

Entre Mucho Machismo Hay Pocos Machos is a dance theater work that tells the story of a Queer Mexican folklorico dancer on a journey toward self-love in the context of a romantic relationship with a closeted fellow dancer. The work is structured like a traditional romantic dramedy—boy meets boy, boy falls in love with boy, boy loses self, boy loses boy (but finds himself)—and takes place in the folklorico community, where normative masculinity continues to be performed and policed.

This multidisciplinary, multimedia work features choreography rooted in folklorico traditions alongside contemporary choreography, film, and spoken word. While one dancer performs the role of the protagonist (Lopez), the love interest is played by four different dancers, each representing a phase in the relationship—falling in love (Josue Oregel), lustful honeymoon phase (Matt Han), first fight (Kevin Gaytan), and break-up (Luis Isiordia).

---

---

What are 5 words or phrases to describe the piece?
Love, hope, care, journey, acceptance

For folks who attended a performance last year, what ideas or sections have been expanded or reconsidered?
All sections have been updated and restructured. The first section, The Beer, and the last section have been extended. There is partnering in some sections. Some movement was cut and replaced by new movement. 

What most excites you about sharing the piece again this September?
The piece has settled and been reviewed to clarify some choreographic choices. This time around, the dancers and I are excited to share the deepening of our characters.   

During the artistic process, how did you balance being both the choreographer and a performer in it?
I came to rehearsals with ideas that I wanted to re-choreograph or change. I set them on the dancers and myself, then brought in Andrew Merrell, the rehearsal director, to review and shape them while I became the dancer. 

Why live performance, now?
So much entertainment is digital, which encourages people to stay home and stay isolated. I find it rewarding to see live dance theater. It builds community, and I know every show will be different because human beings create art each night. Even though it is the same dance, the circumstances of the day will determine how you view the dance or how it will inform the movement.

Purchase tickets here and join into the experience September 18-20!