PRODUCTION
frikiNATION by Krystal Ortiz
Produced in partnership with Musical Theater Factory
Directed by Rula A. Muñoz
Music and Lyrics by EsKoria
frikiNation is a historical, bilingual, Cuban punk rock jukebox musical that tells the true story of young punks in Cuba in the early 1990s who took extreme measures to rig the communist system in their favor. In an attempt to access a higher quality of life within the government sanctioned HIV sanitariums, punks across the island started injecting themselves with HIV-positive blood. Using a 2003 album by Cuban punk band EsKoria, frikiNation tells this powerful history by following a pregnant rebel, her new skeptical lover, and a band of misfit friends as they fight to survive and create music in a society that pushes them to the margins. With the help of Maria, a cultural programs director determined to educate and protect them, they navigate love, freedom, and a dangerous plan to secure a better life—no matter the cost.
Music Director, Orchestrator, Arranger: Alan Mendez
Stage Manager: Valeria Llaneza*
Dramaturg: Khristián Méndez Aguirre
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Criminal Queerness Festival (CQF) is National Queer Theater‘s Obie Award Winning initiative developing groundbreaking new plays by queer artists from around the world fighting censorship or criminalization in their home countries. Straight from sold-out runs at Lincoln Center and PAC NYC, CQF has been featured in the New York Times, and is a recipient of the Mayor’s Grant for Cultural Impact.
This is a Co-Production between HERE and National Queer Theater featuring three productions June 11-28 at HERE’s Mainstage: including frikiNation from June 24 - June 28, 2025.
Music Director, Orchestrator, Arranger: Alan Mendez
Stage Manager: Valeria Llaneza*
Dramaturg: Khristián Méndez AguirreCAST
Adriana Gaviria* – Maria
Claudia Quesada – Rocío
Frances Inés Rodríguez – Yali
JoJo Fleites (CW’s The Winchesters) – Nene
Marcelo Camacho – Drummer
Mateo d’Amato – Agent
Nico Raimont – Chompi
Ryan Ruffing – Walkys -
Two staged concert readings that took place on April 26 at 7:30 p.m. and April 27 at 2 p.m. at Brooklyn Art Haus by Krystal Ortiz with music & lyrics by EsKoria. Direction by Rula A. Muñoz and music direction by Jaime Cepero.
A staged concert reading presented as part of Carnegie Hall's Nuestros Sonidos Festival. In partnership with The Sol Project and The Movement Theatre Company, with support from Musical Theater Factory, ¡OYE! Group, and the National Queer Theater.