An untold story of the Underground Railroad takes the spotlight in this dynamic musical.
I lost count of how many times I was amazed while watching “Mexodus.”
Part of that amazement comes from the show’s live looping, where creators and performers Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson craft the show’s score live onstage. But there’s more to it, as Quijada and Robinson explore neglected history through poignant personal storytelling and hip-hop. Each element is intriguing on its own. Together, they are electrifying.
“Mexodus” shares a lesser-known story of the Underground Railroad.
The term “Underground Railroad” typically evokes the northern-bound escape routes of enslaved individuals seeking freedom. However, as presented by Quijada and Robinson, there was also a southern route that led many enslaved individuals to freedom in Mexico. The exact number remains uncertain, Quijada and Robinson explain, in one of their direct dialogues with the audience. This southern Underground Railroad tale is rarely found in history books, but Quijada and Robinson hope to pass it on through word-of-mouth, their story in “Mexodus” built from their research.
Robinson portrays Henry, an escaped slave who narrowly avoids capture in Texas and survives a perilous Rio Grande crossing. He’s rescued by Quijada’s Carlos, a medic-turned-farmer grappling with his own traumas from the Mexican-American War. Initially wary, they eventually collaborate on Carlos’s farm, gradually forming a deep friendship.
“Mexodus”’ live looping will captivate you.
Quijada and Robinson construct the soundtrack to Carlos and Henry’s friendship live, layering and harmonizing their voices and instruments. Many instruments are familiar: pianos, cellos, trumpets, guitars, drums, vinyl scratching. Quijada and Robinson play all these, rap at impressive speeds and harmonize with themselves—a feat in itself. But “Mexodus” elevates further as they interact with the set designed by Rakkulchon. Corrugated walls provide percussion, a wooden wheel modulates tempo, and pedals loop sounds, with Quijada and Robinson stamping them to control loops, creating an engaging spectacle.
The live looping extends beyond songs; Quijada and Robinson create soundscapes from storms to fires. A memorable moment was when Quijada used a comb to imitate nighttime insect chirping. Despite seeing how each sound is made, Fiksel’s sound design transforms it for the audience, converting the comb’s mundane sound to imaginative insect noises.
The personal touches also resonate—Robinson discusses his ancestors and Quijada shares a personal experience of prejudice, highlighting the enduring relevance of history. These moments emphasize our responsibility to preserve the lesser-known story of the southbound Underground Railroad, culminating in an inspiring audience engagement.
By incorporating the audience into their narratives and revealing song creation, Quijada and Robinson offer a compelling, joyful portrayal of a forgotten chapter in American history, ensuring you won’t forget it.
“Mexodus” is running Off Broadway through June 14.