Full Breakdown
Uncovering the Underground Railroad to Mexico: The Story Behind "Mexodus"
4/17/2026, 6:55:11 AM
The Core Narrative of "Mexodus"
"Mexodus," a live-looped musical co-created by Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson, explores the lesser-known history of the underground railroad that facilitated the escape of enslaved individuals from the United States to Mexico. The musical, which blends hip-hop and bolero, tells the fictional story of Henry, who flees Texas for freedom across the Rio Grande, and highlights the social and political complexities of both historical and contemporary narratives.
Background & Context
The historical context of "Mexodus" is rooted in the 5,000 to 10,000 enslaved individuals who escaped to Mexico, a country that abolished slavery in 1829. The Republic of Texas was formed in 1836 partly due to fears surrounding Mexico's anti-slavery stance, leading to its annexation by the United States in 1845. American slave owners often crossed into Mexico to recapture formerly enslaved individuals, as documented by historian Alice Baumgartner in her book "South to Freedom: Runaway Slaves to Mexico and the Road to the Civil War."
Key Figures Behind "Mexodus"
Brian Quijada, a playwright and composer known for works like "Where Did We Sit on the Bus?" and "Kid Prince and Pablo," conceived "Mexodus" after reading about the underground railroad to Mexico. Nygel D. Robinson, a performer and writer, joined Quijada during the pandemic to develop the project further. Their collaboration reflects a shared commitment to telling stories of immigration and resistance.
The Musical's Structure and Themes
"Mexodus" employs live looping, a technique where sounds are recorded and layered, symbolizing the cyclical nature of history. Quijada and Robinson's characters navigate both musical and emotional challenges, illustrating the ongoing struggles faced by marginalized communities. The narrative intertwines themes of racism, oppression, and resilience, aiming to provoke thought and dialogue among audiences.
Official Statements & Responses
Quijada expressed his initial hesitation to tell this story, acknowledging its complexity and the extensive research required. He noted, “I was also really intimidated by the amount of research that I would have to do to write this piece.” Robinson shared a poignant interaction with an audience member who, after watching the show, began to question her beliefs about immigration and border security, highlighting the musical's potential impact on viewers.
Criticism & Opposition
While "Mexodus" aims to shed light on historical injustices, it also faces scrutiny. Robinson recounted an encounter with a viewer who initially supported Trump's border wall but found her perspective challenged after seeing the performance. This illustrates the diverse reactions the musical elicits, reflecting broader societal debates on immigration and race.
What's Next for "Mexodus"
Following its successful off-Broadway run, "Mexodus" is set to open at the Pasadena Playhouse from July 8 to August 2, 2026. Additionally, an exclusive audio version is available on Audible, allowing a wider audience to engage with this important narrative.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The reason that this story attracted me was because it’s like a reverse border story, but I also knew that it wasn’t my story to tell so I sat on it for a long time.” — Brian Quijada, Co-Creator of "Mexodus."
- “I need you all to see the truth, but we’re gonna try and dance anyway,” — Nygel D. Robinson, Co-Creator of "Mexodus."