What's Happening?
Roxana Ortega, a Latina actress known for her role in Nickelodeon's 'The Casagrandes,' is debuting her first play, 'Am I Roxie?' at the Geffen Playhouse. The play, which runs from September 11 to October 5, explores the emotional journey of caring for an aging parent with Alzheimer's disease. Directed by Bernardo Cubría, the one-woman show draws from Ortega's personal experiences with her mother, Carmen, whose memory is in decline. Ortega uses humor to navigate the heavy themes of caregiving and identity, portraying various characters from her life, including family members and caregivers.
Why It's Important?
The play highlights the challenges faced by caregivers, particularly within the Latino community, where cultural expectations often place a significant burden on family members. Ortega's work sheds light on the emotional and psychological toll of caregiving, emphasizing the importance of self-care and identity preservation. By bringing these issues to the stage, Ortega opens a dialogue about elder care, a growing concern as the U.S. population ages. The play also underscores the role of art in processing personal and societal challenges, offering a platform for empathy and understanding.
