JOTA

JOTA

Is a solo show that follows a young queer Mexican Indigenous woman on the cusp of a new chapter in her life. “JOTA” in Spanish is for “gay” and has been used to harm, shame, and erase LGBTQIA+ peoples in both Mexico and the United States. I titled my play JOTA to reclaim this word and all it contains, transforming it into a banner of resilience, a declaration of pride, and an offering of love. JOTA was born out of an urgent need to center voices too often silenced. Especially those of the QTPOC experience. I wrote this piece for those who, like me, grew up feeling alone in their queerness. As a result, this play becomes a lifeline across generations and a reminder that we are never truly alone in our becoming. We're accompanied by our ancestors, our histories, and the courageous voices of our communities. I hope JOTA will live on long after I'm gone as a sign to future generations of queer people that an ancestor thought of them and prayed for our collective liberation. LGBTQIA+ people, and all people, deserve to feel seen, heard, and celebrated. May we all act bravely in living our truths.

JOTA’s Development History:

JOTA was first workshopped with Brooklyn Arts Exchange’s Emergenyc program in Spring 2023. JOTA was further developed in the fall of 2023 with Dramatic Question Theater, under the American Woman (AW) solo show development and presentation program, with the mentorship and guidance of Raquel Almazan. The final version of JOTA was completed in Mexico, a full-circle moment that deepened the connection to this story. In 2024, JOTA debuted in Manhattan with 14Y Artist Residency. In Spring of 2025 JOTA was further workshopped with Teatro Espejo. In Summer 2025 JOTA debuted in California with Teatro Espejo and the Fat Elephant Theater. JOTA debuted the Fat Elephant Theater in Sacramento, CA, JUNE 2025-JULY 2025. JOTA had a sold out and extended run. In 2026 JOTA will have several presentations including one at Brown University in Providence Rhode Island.

For inquiries of JOTA, email: bbenitezkatherine@gmail.com