‘The Hero Twins: Blood Race’ Opens Saturday at the Magik
The Magik Theatre’s newest production The Hero Twins: Blood Race opens on Sat., Feb. 4.
The company is quick to say: “Don’t let the name fool you. There’s nothing gory about The Hero Twins: Blood Race. On the contrary, this epic adventure that runs from Feb. 4-Mar. 5 explores issues of prejudice, perseverance, and belonging that remind us that we are all one race: the human race. Regardless of the color of our skin, our place in society, or our gender, we all bleed red.”
The female protagonist Moth and her twin brother Cricket travel through a cave-like underworld, vying to win the Blood Race and determine the ruling class. The duo must work together to find creative solutions to the many obstacles they encounter on their quest to change the world.
Based on one of the oldest myths in the world, this futuristic romp is inspired by the politics and culture of classic Mayan society. The production’s steampunk-inspired costumes and set designs however have a thoroughly modern vibe, however. A revolving stage keeps the action going as the trained cast performs exciting Parkour movement sequences set to driving musical beats. Opening night will be a celebration with crafts and interactive experiences.
Attendees will also get a behind-the-scenes look at the conceptual design of this family-friendly, action-packed adventure. Museum-style pillars depicting elements from the show, set models, costume designs and more will line the lobby on opening night. Written by Latino playwright and educator Ramón Esquivel, The Hero Twins: Blood Race is a production designed to inspire and empower audiences of all ages, races, and genders.
“What I hope young people learn from these two characters is the different responses they can have to challenges and adversity” —Playwright Ramón Esquivel.
Directed by Ricky Araiza, the story tackles a variety of important societal themes including resilience, honesty, integrity, justice, equity, gender stereotypes, and how to stand up to adversity. These topics are addressed in a contemporary way that resonates and connects with audiences today. Not only will they be entertained by the story, but they will also experience it on many levels.
“I think that what The Hero Twins does so well as a story is it creates an opportunity for audiences to see a narrative about a young person who is faced with epic and heroic challenges, and she must make a choice of whether she is going to merely accept what is being told to her because that is the way things have always been, or create a new path,” added Araiza. “Choices like these, even for adults, are so scary, but when we are allowed to step into our true selves, we can create amazing new worlds.”
Running, jumping, climbing, crawling, and rolling stunts are just part of a day’s work for the cast. One of the theater’s most physically demanding shows, The Hero Twins: Blood Race is filled with live action. To prepare for their roles, the cast was trained by Parkour Coach Wes De La Rosa who put them through the paces while encouraging them to find their own groove within the movements.
“Parkour is intuitive in different ways for every individual so I’m excited to see what types of movements the cast creates with these skills,” said De La Rosa. “Overall, the audience can look forward to lots of fluid, animal-like movement, with a big splash of creativity and pizzazz.”
The production of The Hero Twins: Blood Race features a cast of four, all of whom are either dance or movement trained. Mason Ortiz and Brianna Resendez play twins Cricket and Moth, with Giselle Galindo as Iguana and Pedro Leos as Jaguar. The crew includes Stage Manager Alyssa Snow, Scenic Design by Lucian Hernandez, Costume Design by Yesenia Tafur, Lighting Design by Bill Rios, and Sound Design by Jo Villanueva.
Throughout the week, Magik offers the opportunity for schools to come to the theater on a field trip. Rather than simply providing a “snippet” of the show, Magik field trip performances are the same as public performances. These productions present the arts to as many as 70,000 children per season the opportunity to see a live performance that they might not be able to experience otherwise. It’s part of the company’s commitment to inclusivity in the arts.
Playwright Esquivel has cleverly woven STEAM principles into the play. Throughout the adventure, our heroes collaborate by using physics, reading, and math to win the race. These topics are explored in a comprehensive Study Guide designed to help educators and the general public make the most of their Magik experience. The guide covers the content of the play, provides educational activities, and offers ways for viewers to reflect on their learning. Study Guides can be accessed on Magik’s website as the performance nears.
SPECIAL PERFORMANCES
Magik Theatre is committed to making theater accessible to everyone. “We are here to make theater accessible to every family and take away any barrier that exists,” said Frank Villani, CEO, Magik Theatre. In keeping with that commitment, the 2023 season boasts some upgrades to include the following special performances below.
American Sign Language Interpreted Performance
Saturday, Feb. 18, 2:00 p.m.
Robert Cardoza, the San Antonio theater community’s primary sign language interpreter, will be available during this performance for patrons who require ASL as their primary form of communication.
Sensory-Friendly Performance
Tuesday, Feb. 28, 10:30 a.m.
Sensory-friendly performances are designed to create a welcoming environment for people who are on the autism spectrum or who have other sensory sensitivities. By modifying elements of the production to accommodate individuals with sensory needs, we create a welcoming space where families and friends of those with autism or other disabilities can enjoy an authentic performance experience together.
Pay What You Wish Performances
Sunday, Feb. 12, 3:00 p.m. & Sunday, March 5, 3:00 p.m.
Magik’s way of giving back to the community and providing an opportunity for families to experience live theater with a donation of any amount.
Mask Required Performances
Sunday, Feb. 26 at 3:00 pm
If you would like to attend a mask-required performance, this option is for you! We have adopted a model that allows us to go above and beyond standard schedules. It also provides you with peace of mind knowing that all of our performers and staff continue to follow strict health and safety protocols including the option to select your experience while in the theatre.
To view Health and Safety Protocols, visit https://www.magiktheatre.org/covid-19-updates/
TICKETS TO THE SHOW
Flex Passes are on sale now,$170 — 10 Flex Pass Tickets ($17 per ticket -a savings of 32% off single ticket prices) and $300 — 20 Flex Pass Tikets($15 per ticket-a savings of 40% off single ticket prices).. Single Tickets are $18.50 for children (ages 2-17), Military, Seniors, and Educators. $22.50 for adults and children under two years old are free. Flex Passes and Single Tickets are available at: https://www.magiktheatre.org/the-hero-twins/ or by calling (210) 227-2751. You can also purchase at the box office, 420 S. Alamo, from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. If a child under two uses a seat—even a car or booster seat—the patron must pay for a general-admission ticket. Group rates are offered to parties of ten or more people. For questions and further inquiries contact info@magiktheatre.org.
Feature photo: Mason Ortiz and as twins Cricket and Moth (courtesy Magik Theatre).
