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MODfest 2021

MODFEST 2021: RADICAL IMAGINATION January 28-February 7

Mexodus: A New Musical

A Q&A Event Weekend of January 31@7pm (Zoom link coming soon) sponsored by the Deprtments of Music, CAAD, Powerhouse, New York Stage & Film.

Recording of new track during second week of Modfest

Mexodus is inspired by the estimated 4,000-10,000 enslaved people in the Southern part of the United States who pursued a journey into Mexico instead of looking north. This under told chapter of the Underground Railroad is an exploration of Black and brown bodies standing together against oppression.

With the support of New York Stage and Film, artists Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson are releasing one track a month for a year. (See below!) Starting their work at the beginning of the global pandemic, they have been creating and recording the score separately, their musical collaboration facilitated through technology. Having released 6 tracks over the past 6 months, they will now come together to record the 7th track live as part of MODFest and share their methods of collaboration and creation during this time.

Mexodus: A New Musical website.

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Brian Quijada is an actor, playwright, musician, an award-winning solo performer, and Co-Artistic Director of The Wild Wind Performance Lab at Texas Tech University. Brian was born in the Greater Chicagoland Area to Salvadoran parents. After majoring in Theater and English at The University of Iowa, and spending a year post-graduation in Chicago, Brian moved to New York City, where he is now based. His acting work has been seen all across The United States and internationally. Brian's writing work has been produced from coast to coast and focuses on immigration, the human condition, identity, and the Latinx-American experience.

As an educator, Quijada has taught solo performance, social justice, verse writing, and devised theatrical looping master classes for Carnegie Mellon University, Point Park University, Carlow College, Slippery Rock University, University of New Mexico, KCATCF Region 7 (Pacific Northwest) and Region 3 (Northern Midwest), Western Washington University, Hunter College, Los Medanos College, Texas Tech University's Wild Wind Performance Lab, and The Kennedy Center.

Quijada is a two-time Jeff Award winner in Chicago and a two-time Drama Desk Nominee in NYC. He is a proud member of The Ensemble Studio Theatre in New York City.
Source: https://www.brianquijada.com/ Accessed 1/11/21.

 

Nygel D. Robinson is a North Carolina native, and a 2015 Musical Theatre graduate of UNC - Pembroke. Since arriving in New York City, Robinson has been quickly making a name for himself in the music and theatre scenes, performing throughout the city, including shows at the iconic The Bitter End. The actor/musician has been featured onstage in Freedom Riders: The Civil Rights Musical (NYMF 2017), Lady Day At Emerson's Bar & Grill (as Jimmy Powers) for JAG Productions, and most recently, The All Night Strut! at Milwaukee Rep.
Source: https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Nygel-D-Robinson-to-Release-Debut-Single-One-More-Chance-20190206 Accessed 1/11/21.

 

Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson are releasing one track a month for a year:  (Tracks in release date)