This Chautauqua production sponsored by the New Mexico Humanities Council and the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs brings to life the traditional Hispanic ghost tale of the Wailing Woman, La Llorona. Variations of this spooky story have been told and retold for centuries. One of the most widely known versions come from the 18th-century Santa Fe, New Mexico, where La Llorona is not a disembodied ghost, but rather, a supernatural being who never dies-a tormented spirit who appears in the darkness of night, wandering, shrieking, searching. She yearns for those who dare to go out alone at night. The story is told in the form of a Chautauqua with dialogue, music and dance that capture the essence of Spanish Colonial heritage and traditions of the Southwest. This magical storytelling experience addresses the wealth of traditions, such as dichos, in Hispanic communities throughout the centuries. De Aragon also reminds the audience of the value of traditional folk dances, music and the use of stories in various cultures as an educational tool. De Aragon helps to keep those traditions alive through this compelling folk story. Unlike a traditional play, this Chautauqua style performance breaks the barrier between the actor and audience. Audience members are invited to volunteer to help bring the story to life. The audience also has the opportunity to ask La Llorona questions and interact with her during the drama. At the end of the performance, de Aragon will break character and address the audience as herself to answer questions.
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Many say they have heard the unforgettable, spine chilling cry of La Llorona, the Wailing Woman, as she wanders searching for her children. Many also can say that they have met her through actor/singer Rosalia de Aragon, who has portrayed La Llorona for ten years. De Aragon keeps the story alive as a Chautauqua performer sponsored through the New Mexico Humanities Council. She has traveled throughout the state and has portrayed La Llorona over 100 times at museums, fiestas, schools, and event in almost every community in New Mexico. She has performed at Albuquerque Tricentennial events and La Llorona festivals, and has taken the ghost to the Smithsonian Institution, where she was the featured performer for Hispanic Heritage Month through the Department of Latino Initiatives, and to the Andy Dick Black Box Experimental Theatre in Hollywood, where she also performed the title role in Cuento de La Llorona at the Ricardo Montalban Theatre.
De Aragon is a graduate of the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. She began her acting studies in Musical Theatre at the College of Santa Fe and was accepted to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Hollywood where she completed a summer intensive acting program. She performed the role of River in the opera Time and Again Barelas with the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra at Popejoy Hall, University of New Mexico, and at the National Hispanic Cultural Center. Her experience in numerous theatrical productions, commercials, and films also includes the roles of Trementina Sister in Bless Mi Ultima, Dr. Ellie in the Tony Hillerman movie A Theif of Time and Carlita in the TNT movie Last Stand at Saber River.
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De Aragon is currently touring her new Chautauqua performance of famed dancer “La Argentinita” around the state. As a vocalist, she has also recorded a CD entitled Canto de La Llorona.