RESEARCH

Research Focus Statement

My primary research explores the intersection of European dramatic structure and indigenous artisanship in Early Colonial Syncretic Theatre (1524–1570s). 

Specifically, I investigate the complex theatrical collaboration between early Franciscan friars and the Tlaxcalan people—the indigenous nation whose alliance with the Spanish uniquely positioned them as early architectural and cultural partners in New Spain. 

While these early performances adapted the literary framework of Spanish Golden Age autos sacramentales, the visual, spatial, and technical executions were driven by Tlaxcalan innovation. By examining the integration of European theatrical conventions with indigenous scenic design techniques, material culture, and architectural adaptations—most notably the acoustic and spatial design of the capillas abiertas (open chapels)—my work highlights how Tlaxcalan master craftsmen actively shaped the period's theatrical storytelling. 

This research re-centers the indigenous contribution to 16th-century performance, framing it not merely as an extension of European mainland traditions, but as a unique, cross-cultural synthesis of design and architecture. 

I am profoundly drawn to this era because it represents one of the rarest and most monumental moments of cultural syncretism in theatrical history. The only comparable paradigm shifts of this caliber—where distinct civilizations collided to forge entirely new, enduring theatrical forms—are the Roman adaptation of Greek drama and the fusion of Hindu epics with indigenous Indonesian Wayang Kulit shadow puppetry, making this 16th-century Tlaxcalan-Spanish collaboration a singularly transformative chapter in the history of performance and design.

While historians have extensively translated the surviving literary texts and architects have documented the stone ruins of the capillas abiertas, a significant gap remains in our visual and technical understanding of these performances. Because the original Tlaxcalan sets were constructed from ephemeral materials—such as woven textiles, local flora, and traditional feather-work—and because many visual codices were subsequently destroyed by the Inquisition, the practical stagecraft of this era has been largely lost to time. 

My applied research bridges this gap by uniting historical inquiry with modern scenic design methodologies. By utilizing industry-standard drafting and rendering software and traditional artistic forms of expression, I aim to reconstruct these lost syncretic performance spaces. This work will visually resurrect the complex technical engineering—from acoustic spatial planning to the mechanics of trapdoors and pyrotechnics—providing a tangible, practitioner-focused understanding of how indigenous master craftsmen physically executed these monumental theatrical events.

Here are two AI-generated images based on the descriptions by Friar Motolinia's account:

1- The Final Judgement 1533

2- The Garden of Eden 1538

Applied Research Focus: Accessible Stagecraft & Bilingual Senior Theatre

In addition to my historical scholarship, my secondary research focus is anchored in applied, community-engaged practice: the development and technical execution of bilingual (English/Spanish) senior citizen theatre. This research investigates the intersection of accessible scenic design and the cognitive, social, and cultural impacts of theatrical performance on aging populations. 

Specifically, I explore how physical theatrical spaces—including set ergonomics, specialized acoustic treatments, and adaptable lighting—must be structurally modified to safely and effectively support older performers. 

Furthermore, by fostering a translanguaging environment where senior adults can engage with theatrical texts using their full linguistic toolkits, this work evaluates the community benefits of bilingual performance. 

Through this applied research, I aim to generate measurable, data-driven best practices for accessible stagecraft while actively serving the surrounding community, demonstrating that technical design is a vital tool for ensuring theatre remains a lifelong, inclusive platform for cultural connection.