About the Show

A hip-hop musical revealing the little-known journey south to freedom across the Rio Grande.

Mexodus is a bold, high-energy hip-hop musical that shines a light on a rarely told chapter of American history: the escape from slavery by traveling south into Mexico. While the Underground Railroad is often associated with journeys north, this show uncovers the story of thousands who found freedom by crossing the Rio Grande, reframing a familiar narrative through rhythm, movement, and music.

Created and performed by Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson, and directed by David Mendizábal, the musical follows an enslaved person seeking freedom and an unexpected Mexican ally whose lives become intertwined. As they travel together, their relationship grows into a powerful bond that challenges borders, assumptions, and history itself.

Blending historical insight with infectious beats and theatrical storytelling, Mexodus balances purpose with joy, offering an experience that is both educational and exhilarating. The show invites audiences to engage with the past in a fresh way, celebrating resilience, solidarity, and the enduring pursuit of freedom.

Critic Reviews (13)

"4/5 Stars! The extraordinarily edutaining two-person musical 'Mexodus' is adept at multitasking, balancing the past and the present to illuminate a little-known piece of history."
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For a previous production

"Even with the show’s freestyle feel, the director David Mendizábal runs 'Mexodus' as smoothly as a cypher."
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For a previous production

"comes just as packed with history and intention as it does with good music and good fun"
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For a previous production

"The truly impressive element is their use of looped audio to build every number, with the performers playing several instruments and singing live into microphones. "
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For a previous production

"It's a wild woosh of energy, designed to disorient, overturn, and enlighten."
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For a previous production

"Near the end of the show, Quijada and Robinson lead the audience through a call and response. Our collective voice becomes the material for a musical loop, and we are integrated into the final song."
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For a previous production

"powerful, dynamic hip-hop musical telling one story about the Southern Underground Railroad"
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For a previous production

"The harmony of the interwoven stories, of life, of music and song, had us clapping and cheering and dancing in our seats."
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