Take a Ballot: Can Transnational Theatre Foster Political Efficacy in Women of Color?

This research examines whether transnational theatre fosters political efficacy in women of color. Research shows the history of disenfranchisement of women of color; even today, upper-class, white males have the greatest access to civic resources– including access to theatre–which ignite their political efficacy in the United States. The gap in research surrounds how, and if, transnational theatre can affect women of color’s political efficacy. By analyzing theatre’s role in engaging political efficacy, I offer an avenue to build a more equitable and democratic society. Using a case study analysis of two female playwrights from opposite sides of the U.S. border–Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz and Estela Portillo Trambley–I communicate the necessity of a transnational approach to theatre. As the playwright of numerous shows in former New Spain (i.e. current-day Mexico), Sor Juana represents the origin of transnational theatre, as she created her theatrical works outside the bounds of the current-day United States. Did Estela’s exposure to Sor Juana’s work inspire her to engage in political activities? By utilizing first-hand documents of Estela’s, stored in the UT Austin Benson Latin American Library, I analyze themes explored by Estela in her theatre practice. I explore Estela’s political consciousness through documented knowledge of her radio show, “Stella Says,” interviews with Estela, and analysis of her plays. I connect her multiple political actions to a heightened level of internal political efficacy– which I assert needs to be fostered in other young girls of color in the United States. I intend to open a dialogue about the lingering effects of colonialism–how women of color continue to be affected by it–and how we may acknowledge historic wrongdoings, by looking to the future of political engagement through theatre.