Step into the haunting narrative of “La Llorona,” where choreographer Julianna Rubio Slager reinterprets the Mexican myth through a lens of compassion and depth. Follow Maria, a new mother consumed by suspicions of her husband’s infidelity, as she navigates the tumultuous waters of despair and mental anguish. Through Slager’s masterful choreography and storytelling, Maria’s journey is imbued with warmth and empathy, transforming what could be a tragic tale into one filled with hope and renewal. As audiences are drawn into Maria’s harrowing struggles, they are confronted with the harsh realities of postpartum depression, particularly within minority communities. With each poignant movement and evocative scene, “La Llorona” sheds light on the silent struggles faced by new mothers, fostering empathy, understanding, and a call to action for greater awareness and support.

Julianna Rubio Slager finds deep resonance in the myth of La Llorona, or The Weeping Woman. As a Chicana and mother of three, she recognizes the absence of these topics on stage and believes dance offers an ideal platform to address societal issues surrounding postpartum depression while facilitating audience education and emotional processing. The traditional Mexican myth depicts Maria’s transformation into La Llorona after her husband’s infidelity drives her to commit infanticide, presenting her as a ghostly figure clad in white with mournful cries. However, Julianna revisits the story through a maternal lens, perceiving La Llorona’s tale as reflecting the anguish of a woman undervalued and unsupported, akin to postpartum depression’s emotional turmoil. In her ballet, Julianna aims to delve into this duality, employing dance and projections to intricately explore La Llorona’s inner world and the struggles of women with postpartum depression. By raising awareness and fostering audience empathy, Julianna seeks to address the often misunderstood issue affecting approximately 1 in 7 women post-birth. She envisions her ballet extending beyond traditional dance audiences, offering a concrete contribution to minority demographics and advancing diversity and accessibility in dance through her personal and heartfelt exploration.

Witness Maria’s journey through grief and despair, but also find solace in the hope that transcends her sadness. La Llorona is more than just a cautionary tale—it’s a poignant exploration of maternal pain, societal pressures, and the quest for healing.

Supported by the National Museum of Mexican Art and RAICES Chicago Story Coalition, this groundbreaking work not only honors Mexican heritage but also fosters awareness and understanding of postpartum depression within communities. Join us as we lift the veil on Maria’s story, offering empathy, validation, and a pathway to empowerment.

Step into the haunting narrative of “La Llorona,” where choreographer Julianna Rubio Slager reinterprets the Mexican myth through a lens of compassion and depth. Follow Maria, a new mother consumed by suspicions of her husband’s infidelity, as she navigates the tumultuous waters of despair and mental anguish. Through Slager’s masterful choreography and storytelling, Maria’s journey is imbued with warmth and empathy, transforming what could be a tragic tale into one filled with hope and renewal. As audiences are drawn into Maria’s harrowing struggles, they are confronted with the harsh realities of postpartum depression, particularly within minority communities. With each poignant movement and evocative scene, “La Llorona” sheds light on the silent struggles faced by new mothers, fostering empathy, understanding, and a call to action for greater awareness and support.

Julianna Rubio Slager finds deep resonance in the myth of La Llorona, or The Weeping Woman. As a Chicana and mother of three, she recognizes the absence of these topics on stage and believes dance offers an ideal platform to address societal issues surrounding postpartum depression while facilitating audience education and emotional processing. The traditional Mexican myth depicts Maria’s transformation into La Llorona after her husband’s infidelity drives her to commit infanticide, presenting her as a ghostly figure clad in white with mournful cries. However, Julianna revisits the story through a maternal lens, perceiving La Llorona’s tale as reflecting the anguish of a woman undervalued and unsupported, akin to postpartum depression’s emotional turmoil. In her ballet, Julianna aims to delve into this duality, employing dance and projections to intricately explore La Llorona’s inner world and the struggles of women with postpartum depression. By raising awareness and fostering audience empathy, Julianna seeks to address the often misunderstood issue affecting approximately 1 in 7 women post-birth. She envisions her ballet extending beyond traditional dance audiences, offering a concrete contribution to minority demographics and advancing diversity and accessibility in dance through her personal and heartfelt exploration.

Witness Maria’s journey through grief and despair, but also find solace in the hope that transcends her sadness. La Llorona is more than just a cautionary tale—it’s a poignant exploration of maternal pain, societal pressures, and the quest for healing.

Supported by the National Museum of Mexican Art and RAICES Chicago Story Coalition, this groundbreaking work not only honors Mexican heritage but also fosters awareness and understanding of postpartum depression within communities. Join us as we lift the veil on Maria’s story, offering empathy, validation, and a pathway to empowerment.