HARTFORD—Theatergoers can expect a striking new play featuring an all Latinx cast and creative team beginning this Friday. 

Queen of Basel takes place within the Latinx community during Miami’s Art Basel as an adaptation of August Strindberg’s classic play, Miss Julie.

“I couldn’t be more excited to make my TheaterWorks Hartford debut with a play showcasing such vivid, flawed, and imperfect characters with a dynamic, female protagonist at its core,” Director Cristina Angeles commented. “Latinx stories are rarely seen on stage, and I hope this is just the beginning of a much longer conversation surrounding our varied, lived experiences, and the art that is created as a result.”

Written by Playwright Hilary Bettis, Queen of Basel will run February 3-26 at TheaterWork Hartford’s historic property at 233 Pearl Street, Hartford, CT. 

The play will also steam on demand from February 19-26. 

“When planning the 2022-2023 season, I felt it was essential to include a story that speaks to our Latin community,” Artistic Director Rob Ruggiero shared. “It’s human, it’s raw, it’s completely compelling — and it’s in that engagement that we are also provoked into important conversations about privilege, race, power, and color.”

Set in Miami’s Art Basel, the performance follows real estate heiress Julie after she tangles with her mogul father during an event thrown at his South Beach hotel.

“Julie plots her next move…with Christine, a waitress who recently fled violence in Venezuela, and Christine’s fiancé John, an Uber driver with ambitions,” reads the press release. “This explosive elixir of power, class, and race within the Latinx community examines the timelessness of love and betrayal in this bold new play.”

The cast features actors Silvia Dionicio as Christine, Kelvin Grullon as John, and Christine Spang as Julie.

Queen of Basel is recommended for those over the age of 18 as it contains strong language and adult content. 

In-person tickets range from $25 – $65 and can be purchased online at twhartford.org or by calling (860)527-7838. The theater’s COVID-19 Policy is also available at twhartford.org.

TheaterWorks Hartford and CT Latino News have partnered to host a weekly ticket giveaway throughout the play’s run. 

Every Wednesday at noon, a trivia question will be posted via one of CTLN’s social media handles on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The first person to submit the correct answer at info@latinonewsnetwork.com wins TWO tickets. 

Publisher’s Notes: CT Latino News is proud to partner with TheaterWorks Hartford in supporting the state’s Hispanic and Latino communities.