There are some shows that educate you, others that entertain you, and then a rare few that manage to do both while shaking you to your core. Mexodus is that kind of show.
At its heart, this is the story of Henry, an enslaved man in Texas who uses a bale of cotton to cross the Rio Grande in search of freedom. On the other side, he encounters a hardened but kind soul, scarred by war, who reminds him, and us, that survival is never a solo act. The theme is clear and resounding: Todos estamos en esto juntos.
This isn’t history wrapped in dusty language. It’s ancestral storytelling reimagined with modern-day millennial flair. From Adidas tracksuits to lyrical nods like “make money money make money money,” creators Brian Quijada and Nygel Robinson bring the past into today, showing that these stories live in their bones. Their presence on stage isn’t coincidence. It feels destined. These two were meant to tell this story, and somehow, they found each other right on time.
Music, Loops, and Magic in Real Time
The live-looping is part of the genius. Right before our eyes, Robinson and Quijada layer beats, vocals, and sounds until entire songs bloom from strategically placed instruments around the stage and the sudden use of regular items to create sounds that help bring each song to life. It’s creation as performance, a reminder that storytelling is just as much about how it’s told as what’s being told.
Comedy and Heartbreak, Perfectly Balanced
Quijada offers plenty of comedic relief, the kind that lands not because it’s forced but because it’s rooted in truth. Robinson, on the other hand, brings the drama, the heavy tears (from the crowd), and a vocal range that makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. The chemistry between them is the real anchor, each amplifying the other’s strengths.
The play is informational and heartbreaking, but the laughs arrive right when you need them, precision-placed so the audience can breathe before the next gut punch. The performance is a mix of educational storytelling, the message of community, and an exceptional musical aspect that carries the message into the hearts and souls of the audience. Together that mix brings heart, artistry, and cultural pride into one unforgettable performance.
Why This Story Matters
Mexodus may be rooted in what some call folklore, but whether or not Henry’s exact story can be proven, the larger truth remains. Enslaved people did cross into Mexico to find freedom, and hearing these stories matters. They hurt to hear, yes, but without them, we risk forgetting. And forgetting always opens the door for history to repeat itself.
What Mexodus does so beautifully is remind us that these aren’t just shadows of the past. They are lessons for our present. In a world that feels scary and divided, this story insists that community and shared struggle are what keep us alive. If we take even a fraction of this lesson into our daily lives, maybe we inch closer to healing.
When the final loop fades and the lights dim, the audience doesn’t just leave entertained. They leave changed, ready to be better contributors to the society our ancestors dreamed of.
Performance Details
Mexodus is running through October 18, 2025 at the Audible Theater, Minetta Lane Theatre, 18 Minetta Lane, New York City. Click here to learn more and get your tickets today!
