Illustration: NexVani Media
A new musical titled Mexodus is currently running at the Studebaker Theater in downtown Chicago, exploring the history of enslaved Africans who escaped to Mexico.
A theatrical production titled Mexodus is currently being staged in downtown Chicago, offering audiences a look into an overlooked aspect of American history. The production explores the journey of enslaved individuals who sought freedom by heading south across the border rather than taking the traditional northern route.
The narrative centers on a fictional protagonist named Henry, an enslaved Black man fleeing Texas in pursuit of freedom. During his journey across the Rio Grande, he receives assistance from a Mexican farmer named Carlos. The two-man performance features creators and performers Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson, who handle the live-looping music entirely on stage during the performance.
The creators of the stage work recently appeared on a morning broadcast to discuss their creative process, the mechanics of performing their music live on stage, and the message they hope to convey to theatergoers. The production is currently running and will remain on stage at its downtown Chicago venue through November 21, 2026.
A new musical in downtown Chicago highlights the history of enslaved people escaping slavery into Mexico.
This theatrical run brings renewed attention to a lesser-known chapter of historical migration where thousands of African Americans crossed the Rio Grande to find refuge. By highlighting these historical events through live performance, the production provides audiences with a deeper understanding of alternative historical paths to freedom.
