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La Tunda: A Reimagining of a Colombian Folklore
By JexArzayus Productions
Written by Jex Arzayús and Ora Jay
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Show Description
Join Dario on his journey to uncover the truth behind the feared ancient Colombian shapeshifter known as La Tunda. When the daytime shrimp shack turns queer bar at night, Dario faces unexpected realities.
Genre and Content
Content Warnings
The creators say this show is appropriate for ages 16 and up
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Seat Reservations and Show Tickets
| Add to Schedule | Date | Time | Ticket Options | Quantity | Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu 07/31 | 10:00 PM | ||||
| Sat 08/02 | 1:00 PM | ||||
| Tue 08/05 BFF | 5:30 PM | ||||
| Fri 08/08 | 8:30 PM | ||||
| Sat 08/09 | 7:00 PM |
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Video Trailer
Cast and Crew
Ankita Ashrit
Actress (Tamara)Ankita Ashrit is so thrilled to be a part of MN Fringe again! She has been a Minnesota resident for almost 10 years and is grateful for the community of artists who have supported and accepted her throughout the years. Hi mom! Hi Artemis (cat)!
Diego Symouksavanh
Actor (Santi)Diego Symouksavanh is a Laos and Mexican actor in the Twin Cities. He has a passion for voiceover, puppetry, TTRPGs, and sound design. His most recent work includes Sanctuary City (Theater in the Round), The Rocky Horror Show (Orthogonal Productions), Twelfth Night (Shakesqueer Ensemble), and Love in a Time of Hate (Teatro Del Pueblo).
Edduar Peralta
Actor (Andrés)Edduar Peralta is originally from Campeche, Mexico, and has been a local Twin Cities actor and drag king competitor in regional and national pageants for over two years. He is the owner of ED Dream Decor, a decorator for all events and occasions, and a producer of Latin Drag Brunches throughout Minneapolis. Edduar, under his stage name, Exotic LaReese, is the recent TWinner of Drag Duels Cycle 4. Find Exotic at the City of Lakes All American Gent pageantry at 9 pm at the Gay 90s on July 4th and August 1st!
Jex Arzayus
Actor (Dario)Jex Arzayús is a Latinx Colombian transman actor and multidisciplinary artist based in the Twin Cities, with over eight years of professional acting experience. Jex directs Soap-Prov, an improvised soap opera that has performed throughout the state, and teaches art and design in the Roseville school district. Jex performs regularly in the local improv scene at venues including the Twin Cities Improv Festival, Bryant Lake Bowl, and the Phoenix Theater. Jex is thrilled to make his Fringe-producing debut and to act as Dario, a trans-Colombian American. You’ll find Jex immersed in his favorite passion project, collaborating with his partner, Ora, and hanging with the kittens, Thor and Rune.
John Blocher
Actor (Emilio)John Blocher is an actor and poet. He made his short film debut, co-starring in "A Night of Charade," at the Z-Fest Film Festival in April 2025. When not writing or performing, John enjoys cooking, dancing, reading, and spending time with loved ones.
Laura Hild
Actress (Charlie)Laura is excited to be back performing in MN Fringe this year! She has been dabbling in the comedic arts for the past ten years in the Twin Cities. Performing improv, sketch, dance, and also writing and producing shows. She is a member of the improv teams Soap-Prov, The Provettes, The Unnamed Jill Bernard Project, and Miscellany and is a ComedySportz player. She loves a good steak off the grill and snuggling with her cat, Charlie.
Maureen L. Bourgeois
Actress (Madre)Maureen L. Bourgeois is a Twin Cities-based performer, writer, and director. Maureen can also be seen in “The 4 W’s and the H of Murder” (which she also wrote) at Mixed Blood Theatre. Maureen loves performing and, after a performance break, has been seen onstage in “Who Killed Ariel,” “Fractured Remembrances,” “Lock-In,” and staged readings for Threshold Theatre and A Drinking Game Minnesota. Maureen also works as a Standardized Patient/Client and as a Crisis Intervention Actor, utilizing her performance and education background to help people work on interpersonal and practical skills.
Robby Miller
Actor (Jack)Robby Miller is a Twin Cities-based performer and improviser, excited to return to the Minnesota Fringe Festival and present this original queer work. Robby graduated from Hamline University in 2018 with a degree in Theatre Arts and has previous Minnesota Fringe credits, including The News with Clevername Theatre (2018) and Plaid Tales with No Way Theatre (2019). He has also held various administrative roles in the local arts scene, working with companies such as Hennepin Arts, Park Square Theatre, and the Minnesota Fringe itself. When he's not performing around the Twin Cities improv scene, Robby is an avid world traveler, father to his orange tabby cat Akito, and a die-hard Minnesota Timberwolves fan, where he has been a member of the team's Action Pack for the past several years.
Ora Jay
DirectorHaving been involved with La Tunda since its inception—as co-writer and marketing manager—Ora is thrilled to make a theatrical directorial debut. In 2024, Ora earned the First-Time Filmmaker Award at the Z-Fest Film Festival and couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the MN Fringe Festival. Heartfelt thanks go out to the entire cast and crew for their dedication and to Jex Arzayús for co-writing and producing the show. Keep an eye out for the film Arousal Broom at local film festivals.
Molly Murray
Stage ManagerMolly has worked in almost all aspects of theater, including acting. Molly stage managed for the first JexArzayus Productions play, Lock-In, in 2023 with Twin Cities Horror Festival. She acted for Lady Z Productions' 2023 Fringe show, Choose Your Own Fringe Adventure. When push comes to shove, Molly knows how to get it done. You can find Molly rocking out in her band, Femmelectric, and hanging out with her dog, Torii.
Wesley Erickson
Sound DesignerWesley is a Twin Cities artist. While primarily an actor and Improviser, this is Wesley's second foray in Sound Design, the first being JexArzayus Productions' play, Lock-In. When not doing sound and performing, you can probably find him sipping on some maté yerba, watching an action movie.
Mike Lubke
Stage Combat ChoreographerMike Lubke is a stage combat choreographer, instructor, and performer based in the Minneapolis/St Paul area. He is the founder of Art In Arms, LLC, which privately produces SPT courses and independent workshops. Mike is a founding member, resident fight director, and artistic associate of Six Elements Theatre, whose programming focuses on stories that showcase the extremes of the human experience. Mike is a Certified Teacher and recognized Fight Director with the Society of American Fight Directors, where he is the current Fight Director Representative on the governing body. He is currently choreographing "Robin Hood" (Zephyr Theater) and "Lumiere" (Circus Juventas). In September, he will work on She Kills Monsters (Six Elements Theatre, where he will also serve as director), Miss Nelson Is Missing (The Phipps), and Little Shop of Horrors (The Phipps). You can reach him at www.artinarms.org.
More Information
Is the play in Spanish? I don't know Spanish. Will I be able to follow?
We recommend this play for individuals who can understand English or those who are bilingual in English and Spanish. The play is primarily in English, and to ensure that all audience members can follow along, we pair the Spanish lines with English lines that provide context for non-Spanish speakers. For all our 'no sabo kids,' this play is for you!
Why should I see this show?
This show is for all those interested in myths, folklore, and legends. Featuring a diverse cast and crew of BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and allied artists, this performance introduces new folklore to your repertoire with a playful modern spin.
What is La Tunda?
La Tunda is a shapeshifter that lures people into the jungle by looking like a family member or friend. Some say La Tunda entraps its victims in the jungle by feeding them their special shrimp; others say La Tunda kills those who disobey. What La Tunda will you encounter on the MN Fringe stage?
What is La Tunda's origin story?
La Tunda is a folklore about a shapeshifting creature that originates from the Pacific coastal region of Colombia and Ecuador, specifically the Chocó department, which is populated by the Indigenous Emberá (Colombia) and Awá (Ecuador), as well as Afro-Colombian people. La Tunda bears similarities with other famous Colombian folklore, including La Pata Sola and La Moana. Queer studies writer, María Amelia Viteri, discusses how "La Tunda is a gender ambiguous character," and a folklore we should look to understand Latinoamericano queer studies. Ibsen Hernández Valencia argues that La Tunda symbolizes resistance and rebellion against colonial oppression in his discussion of emancipation. Due to the nature of oral storytelling, there's no exact moment in history where we can pinpoint the inception of La Tunda; rather, it embodies layers of cultural fusion. Focused on creating a story that centers a trans first-generation American-Colombian, we drew from many retellings of La Tunda, discussions of Latinoamericano queerness, and interpretations as a liberation symbol to craft a reimagined story of La Tunda for the queer Latinx-American 'no sabo' kid, and we are so excited to share it with you!
Special Thanks
Domestic Violence Consultant - Heather Westmoreland
Developmental Editor - Callie S.
Developmental Editor - Lara H.
Dramaturg - Alicia W
Spanish Consultant - Jennifer Hernandez
Stage Combat Choreographer - Mike Lubke
Follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes images!
