Women of Sand: Testimonies of Women in Ciudad Juárez 
By Humberto Robles | Directed by María Zurita Ontiveros
With Texts by Antonio Cerezo Contreras, Marisela Ortiz, Denise Dresser, Malú García Andrade, María Hope, Eugenia Muñoz y Juan Ríos Cantú

ABOUT WOMEN OF SAND

A new classic of protest theater, Women of Sand is a snapshot of the femicide crisis in Mexico, focusing on the border city of Juarez. Vignettes tell the stories of murdered and missing women, as well as the family members that look for them, and through poetry, music, prayer, and even shadow puppetry, this ensemble-driven piece spotlights the crisis but also the hope and incredible resilience that families, feminist activists, and women themselves show in the face of a government that turns a blind eye. Women of Sand is a deeply meaningful exploration of the fight for social justice, asking, how do we find hope and the will to keep going in the midst of adversity and grief? 

Content Warning: Women of Sand is a play that deals with femicide, and thus there are descriptions (though not depictions of) sexual violence, police brutality, murder and domestic violence. These details are gruesome, but integral to why the crisis is so terrible. Please take care of yourselves (and let the director know how she can best support you in that!)

ABOUT THE PROCESS

• Tentative Rehearsal Calendar (subject to change)
• Performance Dates: Feb. 1-3 OR Feb. 8-10
• This Production takes place in the Nitery Studio Theater, as part of Graduate Repertory 2024. 
• Stanford TAPS seeks to build a diverse cast for this production and encourages members of any race, gender identity, and ability to audition. If any accessibility accommodations are needed please email tapsinformation@stanford.edu for assistance.

HOW TO AUDITION

Sign up for a 15-minute individual audition slot HERE — You will receive an email with the location and any other instructions! If you are not free during one of the available slots, please email María Zurita, and we’ll find another time!

There is no pressure to bring anything in — cold reading sides will be provided in the room. Alternatively, you can just tell me a story (anything you want!) If you have time you can read the play here.

Though the play is set in Juárez, the femicide crisis is rampant in all of Latin America, and the stories of these women are not Mexican alone. Thus, I am looking to cast any female-identified or male-identified Latine. No need for previous acting experience!! If you speak Spanish it is a plus! 
Nondescript characters; change within scenes:

• Woman 1
• Woman 2
• Woman 3
• Woman 4
• Actor 

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

If you are interested in joining the production team in ANY capacity, please email María Zuria Ontiveros at mz114@stanford.edu. We are looking for:

• Musicians! The piece needs live music! (especially if you sing or play guitar) 
• Costume Designer
• Sound Designer
• Composer
• Scenic Designer
• Prop Designer
• Assistant Stage Manager
• Assistant Designers (all areas)