Water People Theater and Instituto Cervantes of Chicago Present “The Delicate Tears of the Waning Moon”
Water People Theater, the resident theater company at the Instituto Cervantes of Chicago since 2019, is has announced its upcoming production in collaboration with its host institution. The play, entitled The Delicate Tears of the Waning Moon (Las delicadas lágrimas de la luna menguante), is penned by Rebeca Alemán and directed by Iraida Tapias. Performed in English with Spanish subtitles, the production will run at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from September 11 to October 4.
Inspired by true events, The Delicate Tears of the Waning Moon, addresses the issue of the relentless violation of human rights against journalists who strive to report the truth. This moving play follows Paulina, a dedicated Latin American journalist and advocate for victims of femicide and Indigenous communities, as she emerges from a coma after a brutal attack. She needs to recover her memory and reveal the truth to achieve justice. The only thing she remembers is that she has a mother and a daughter. Rodrigo, an American journalist, by her side, makes unimaginable efforts to assist her.
“I hope this production, rooted in real events, profoundly moves the audience. I want them to leave the theater with a powerful realization: behind every statistic lies a human story. History often shows us where we must stand; it’s up to us not to falter,” says playwright/actor Alemán. “The play humanely reveals the horrific cruelty of abuse of power and the far-reaching consequences of corruption” adds director Tapias. “It doesn’t just take lives—it shatters families and impacts everyone who fights to tell the truth. Justice, freedom and democracy need all our voices.”
The Delicate Tears of the Waning Moon premiered to critical acclaim at the Steppenwolf 1700 Theater in Chicago in 2019. Said Chris Jones of the Chicago Tribune, “…any journalist seeing this show is going to have a visceral reaction, as well as admiration for its exploration of the compromises and deficiencies of courage that often beset even the best newsrooms.” This past July, the play was presented as part of Repertorio Español in New York City.
Tickets are $30; $25 for Instituto Cervantes members, seniors and students. Seating is general admission. For tickets visit waterpeople.org. Please note: this play contains adult language and themes. This 90-minute drama is presented in English with Spanish subtitles.
