Karilú Alarcón Forshee is Detroit-based performer and teaching artist who grew up in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Juarez, known globally as a town of the dead due to its high crime rates and intense acts of violence, had a huge impact on Alarcón Forshee. She witnessed first-hand the pain and injustice of violence against women growing up in her hometown of Juarez that was never solved or questioned enough. Femicide, which is the killing or violence against women for their gender, is something that has been desensitized in society. In her production, Alarcón Forshee uses her platform to show her audience that we can no longer hide from this pain, rather how do we take this pain and make change–to heal.
“A lot of people will reflect and see themselves reflected, even if they’re not of a Mexican background because I think that there is a common thread we’re all familiar with what women have to go through all over the world,” said Alarcón Forshee
The production is called Peregrina, which is a flower in Cuba that once you’ve touched it becomes one of the most poisonous flowers. But, for Alarcón Forshee it is a symbol of how she sees the women who live and carry this experience on their shoulder.
“When I think of Peregrina, I think of women in pain, in community, praying in community with lots of faith for whatever reason. Strong women who walk lengths of distance, but with faith. Women who are going to get to the light, find hope,” Alarcón Forshee said.
Four years in the making, Alarcón Forshee did her research for her production. She wanted to make sure that her character in this brilliant solo performance accurately depicted not just the personal experience she carried but also historical accuracy of women and movements that have been at the forefront in serving justice to the women who are victims of femicide.
“I feel that I have a commitment to using my voice and my platform for something that is going to help people connect with each other, and make the statement that we won’t remain quiet,” said Alarcón Forshee.
There are eight scheduled performances of Peregrina, November 14 to 23. The production will be performed at Plaza Del Norte at the Mexicantown Latino Cultural Center, 2835 Bagley St, Detroit, MI 48216. Tickets to Alarcón Forshee’s show can be bought online at https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/a-host-of-people1/67003f5b1c69d90f64c89060
