The struggle of being different: An invitation to the play 'Silent Disorder' at the Garnica Theater in Saltillo

Drag is an art form, one that plays with gender conventions and the artistic and performative abilities of those who bring it to the stage. But it is also an expression still affected by intolerance and discrimination, a struggle reflected in the play " Silent Disorder."

Although it was publicly presented at the Saltillo Playwriting Festival in 2022, on that occasion it was only as a staged reading. Now, it will premiere at the Garnica Theater on November 14, 15, and 16 at 8:00 p.m.

Written by Ricardo Ordaz and directed by Araceli de la Peña, it addresses the conflict of Jorge, a young man whose passion is drag but who has to deal with the hatred and intolerance generated in his environment by this decision.

“It led me to write the truth, beyond what we see on stage, the truth of that person who is an artist [...] for me it is a difficult and special subject and I tried to go beyond what several writers have expressed on the subject. I am not looking for something educational but rather to raise awareness about the fact that life can be lived with more than just makeup ,” Ordaz expressed at a press conference.

The production features performances by Erika Coronado, Isis Zapata, Daniel Mendoza and Ordaz himself, as well as Said Ampudia in the lead role, in addition to the assistance of Deyanira Romero and Margarita Alba, with production by Xpress Arte Compañía Teatrl.

“It has made me reflect quite a bit on how sometimes we judge the front of something and don’t see everything that’s behind it, all the ghosts that Jorge, Said’s character, faces in this case,” Coronado shared.

This work also represents the return to the stage of Ampudia, who had not been part of any production for more than two years and who is known for playing characters that challenge gender identities, whether transvestites, drag queens or trans people.

“He told me that when I returned to theater I wasn’t going to play a role in drag, and guess what?” the actor joked, “but I decided to accept because, one, I really like Ricardo, and two, because I liked the script. It’s very beautiful and very dramatic, and I love it; it’s very enjoyable as an artist, as an actor, not only to make people laugh but also to show the human side of the characters,” he added.

For his part, the author also shared that joining the cast has been a challenge, and although it wasn't something he had planned, since he also supports the production—a demanding role in itself when putting on a play—the director felt he could contribute to the play by embodying this character.

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“ It’s the product of a collection of stories told by friends, companions in life , that little by little led me to think about what would happen if I were in that situation, in that vulnerable position within society. Jorge’s story came to me like a little light telling me, ‘You need to tell this story that has happened to many people,’” the author commented on the origin of the text.

Tickets for the play can be purchased in advance for 150 pesos via WhatsApp at 844 140 8600, and on the day of the performance they will cost 200 pesos at the box office.