Esperanza at National Hispanic Cultural Center

Esperanza is a play with music written by Carlos Morton, based on the iconic 1954 film Salt of the Earth, retelling the story of the 1951 strike by Mexican-American miners and their wives against the Empire Zinc mine in Bayard, New Mexico. The play is directed by Paola Vengoechea and Elsa López, and stars Dalia Melendez as Esperanza and Joaquin Rodriguez as her husband and union leader Ramon. Original music and songs were written by Luis Moreno and Tony Ybarra, with Jonathan Harrell serving as music director. The production is a searing indictment of prejudice and oppression, as well as a celebration of community and social justice.