CASA 0101
CASA 0101 is a theater company and community arts space in Boyle Heights, a neighborhood in Los Angeles, California. It was founded by Josefina López in 2000 to bring art and live theater programs to the community she grew up in.
History
CASA 0101 spent 11 years at its original location—a converted former bridal shop. In 2011, it moved to a fully equipped 99-seat theater, with an art gallery and a dedicated classroom. This space is now renamed "Little Casa" and is one block away from its original site. Both spaces are a part of CASA 0101. Mainstage productions and art exhibits featuring Angelino artists are presented year-round at CASA 0101 Theater, while smaller plays and workshop productions are presented at Little Casa. The theater is known nationally for hosting productions with a social justice narrative, often focusing on the Latinx identity and providing an opportunity for other marginalized voices to take the stage.Productions
CASA 0101 has produced many shows that have received acclaim across Los Angeles. These also highlight the art venue's central mission to bring inclusive productions to the largely Latinx neighborhood.“Real Women Have Curves” is written by Josefina Lopez and was performed at CASA 0101 in 2006. This coming-of-age story focuses on a young Latina in Los Angeles who is trying to navigate her dream of going to college with her family's limited financial resources and traditional gender roles. Instead of casting professional actors for the show, Boyle Heights community members played the characters whose lives were similar to their own. These cast members were able to bring their life experiences to the characters and offered them a space to communicate the hardships of immigration, a lower socioeconomic status, and other marginalized groups.
Since 2012 “Chicanas, Cholas, y Chisme”, a play festival, has been debuting a multitude of short plays at CASA 0101. The festival was founded by Josefina Lopez, Lindsey Hayley, and Elena Dominguez. The purpose of this play was to give a voice and experience to Latinas in the community who were aspiring writers, directors, and actors, “making it an entirely Latina driven production”. The festival has now produced more than 100 plays. The "Chicanas, Chola's y Chisme" festival has sold out many shows at CASA 0101.
“Aladdin: the dual language edition” was a 2017 CASA 0101 production produced in partnership with El Centro Del Pueblo, TNH Productions, and Los Angeles City Council Member Gill Cedillo's committee. The Disney story was performed in both English and Spanish for audience members of both speaking communities to enjoy. Creating a dual language production gave more opportunities for community members to experience live theater and it was well received among CASA 0101's diverse audience.