Queer and Apostolic

What this episode covers

"Arena: A House MUSIC-al" is a coming-of-age story conceived and written by Abel Alvarado, directed by Rigo Tejeda, and produced by Teatro Nuevos Horizontes (TNH) Productions, CASA 0101 Theater, El Centro Del Pueblo, and Councilmember Gil Cedillo. Set during the ‘90s Los Angeles club and party scene, the musical is named after the legendary Arena Night Club, which closed in 2015, and features the House music of the era. The story follows a group of friends during a turbulent decade when HIV/AIDS disproportionately affected LGBTQ+ BIPOC. The lead character is Lucio Torrez, the music minister in an Apostolic church, where his parents are also the pastors. When they learn of his closeted relationship with the church guitar player, all hell breaks loose. Lucio’s journey is a story about staying true to who you are and finding your chosen familia. In this episode of OP Talks, theologian and "Arena" executive producer Felipe Agredano talks to Alvarado about writing his musical and their experiences of growing up gay in devout Christian families.

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