Devising (v.) - a method of theatre-making that originates from collaborative, often improvisatory work by a performing ensemble
See below for excerpts from ensemble pieces performed with and/or directed by Monica.
On Mothers and Mother Earth
(2022-Present)
with Salomé Egas
A time-travelling devised theatre piece on climate change from organic farmer interviews, experimental choreography using almanac data, and stories of maternal relationships.
INCITE Intensive, Force Majeure (Sydney, AU) 2024
TBD: The Live Devising Project (2018)
By the Cucumber Dogs, in association with Sitting Shotgun
"It is inspiring to see the international ensemble of Cucumber Dogs collaborating seamlessly. There is much to learn from them about efficient communication, respect, and putting the mutual goal above individual ambitions. For that alone, TBD: The Live Devising Project is worth attending for anybody who interacts with other people (which means everybody)."
-Asya Gorovits, Theatre Is Easy
HUMAN RESOURCES (2018)
part of the final showing of Hemispheric Institute's EmergeNYC Politics & Performance Program
Performance art piece on the intersection of the gig economy and immigration practices.
The Drought Project (Excerpt) (2017)
By Cross the Line
By using theatre techniques from Augusto Boal and Moises Kaufman
and combining them with social change theory from Erika Summers-Efler, this interdisciplinary work examines how and why real issues and data translate to the stage. Through the use of personal experience, interviews, documentaries, and literature, The Drought Project became much more than a show; the information gathered turned into a resource guide for a new way of sustainable living for the ensemble, which they aimed to pass on to the audience.
And Again (Excerpt) (2015)
By Cross the Line
A devised theatre piece examining the word "revolution," as in "an overthrow or repudiation and the thorough replacement of an established government or political system by the people governed" and "a procedure or course, as if in a circuit, back to a starting point."
My Body (2015)
By Girl Be Heard
Performed at the End Sexual Violence in Global Conflict Summit in London.
9mm America (Trailer) (2013-2015)
By Girl Be Heard
2013 PCTF "Outstanding Production"
2013 PCTF "Planet Activist Award"
2013 PCTF "Outstanding Performance"
2015 European Tour funded by the US State Department
9mm America, explores America¹s culture of gunviolence through the eyes of ten Girl Be Heard girls. The girls are real, the stories are real, and the show will completely alter how you think about gun violence.
"Gritty and honest, sure to encourage post-performance discussion among audience members of all ages and genders..." Time Out NY
Nominee for Best Featured Actress at the Planet Connections Theatre Festival
Trafficked (2012-2013)
By Girl Be Heard
LYNN REDGRAVE THEATER (NY), UN COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN (NY), ECPAT (NY- United Nations), EUROPEAN TOUR (US State Department), ENDING SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN CONFLICT SUMMIT (UK)
Trafficked tells the story sex slavery and child exploitation through the eyes of fifteen young women. In an ensemble devised performance constructed by interviews, research and media, the cast puts a name and face to the undocumented girls and boys who are trafficked into the billion dollar sex industry each year.
"Fearless political theater..." - Ebony Magazine
