FRIJOLEBEANS: A play by Raul Garza

¡Hola, familia! We are thrilled to announce the cast and creatives for the world premiere production of Raul Garza’s new play, “frijolebeans.” Directed by Oscar Franco, the play will run November 12 - 21, 2026 at the Blackbox Theater at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center.

Our 2026/2027 season kicks off with an exciting new play by Austin Chronicle’s Best of Austin 2026 Playwright, Raul Garza. When three siblings battle over their late mother’s final pot of frijoles, unexpected frijol-guides emerge to challenge what they know about identity, privilege, Latinidad, and familia. What begins as a fight over beans becomes a magical journey through everything they’ve inherited - and what they’ll carry forward.

Casting for “frijolebeans” features Teatro Vivo veterans: Erica Saenz as LUCÍA ; Giselle De La Rosa as RITA; David A. Barrera as GEORGY; and Eva McQuade as GABRIELA/ENSEMBLE.

Directed by Oscar Franco. The production team also includes Luis Sandoval as lighting designer; Ana Ayala Gasca as Costume Designer; Gustavo Hernandez as scenic designer; and stage manager Elias Merlo.

“sometimes memory doesn't live in our minds…

sometimes it lives in a smell, a taste, a kitchen, a wall, a river…” -from frijolebeans by Raul Garza

Performances will take place at the intimate Blackbox Theater at the ESB-MACC, located at 600 River St. Free parking is available at the ESB-MACC upon arrival. Space is limited so get your tickets now!

You can also check out a conversation with our magical playwright about the world of the play here!

FRIJOLEBEANS is a new play by Raul Garza exploring family, memory, belonging, food, and the things we carry with us.

And this November, Teatro Vivo has the honor of bringing it to the stage for its WORLD PREMIERE. 🎭❤️

Come discover the magic hiding in the ordinary.

🫘 FRIJOLEBEANS
A new play by Raul Garza
World Premiere | Teatro Vivo

📍 ESB-MACC Black Box from 7-9p.m.
📅 November 12, 13, 14, 19, 20 & 21

🎟️ Get your tickets: https://bit.ly/frijolebeans