Photos: First Look at Steppenwolf's LA RUTA

Now playing in Steppenwolf's Upstairs Theatre is the world premiere production of La Ruta written by acclaimed Chicago playwright Isaac Gomez, directed by ensemble member Sandra Marquez. Featuring ensemble member Karen Rodriguez along with an eight-member all female Latinx cast, La Ruta is inspired by the lives of Mexican women who live, work-and disappear-along a Ciudad Juárez bus route. La Ruta weaves live music through a story of resilience in the wake of loss. La Ruta runs through January 27, 2019 in the Upstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted Street. Single tickets ($20-$89) are available through Audience Services at 312-335-1650 or steppenwolf.org.

To the U.S.- owned factories in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, La Ruta is just a bus. But to the women who live, work and often disappear along the route, it's so much more than that. Inspired by real testimonies and using live music to evoke factory work and protest marches, La Ruta is a visceral unearthing of secrets buried in the desert and a celebration of the Mexican women who stand resiliently in the wake of loss.

Playwright Isaac Gomez shares, "Every single woman in this play is based on a real person. And although some names have been changed for their protection, the violence they face, and their resilience have not. I made a promise to these women that their stories would be heard by as many people as humanly possible, and through this world premiere at Steppenwolf, we are one step closer to keeping that promise -- to bear witness and carry their stories forward. As a queer Mexicano from the border, I owe my entire existence to Mexican women. This play is for them. Para todas. Para siempre."

The La Ruta cast features ensemble member Karen Rodriguez (Ivonne) with Charín Alvarez (Marisela); Cher Álvarez (Brenda); Laura Crotte (Desamaya);Sandra Delgado (Yoli); Mari Marroquin (Zaide); and Alice da Cunha and Isabella Gerasole (Women of Juarez).

Photo Credit: Michael Brosilow