April 17 — NAU Latin American Studies to present ‘Ana Alonso Minutt — Chavela’s Frida: Singing Pain, Performing Desire’

FLAGSTAFF — On Tuesday April 17 at 5 pm in Science Building Room 106 , Ana Alonso Minutti, Associate Professor of Musicology and Ethnomusicology at the University of New Mexico will present “Chavela’s Frida: Singing Pain, Performing Desire”

A Latin American Studies event.

The canción ranchera is rooted in a patriarchal context, but Chavela Vargas queered conventions with her raspy voice and her use of gender pronouns. Given her uncompromising vocal performances, and her open queerness, she challenged the gender binaries of conservative mid-century Mexico.

Chavela met Frida Kahlo and fell in love. A vocal analysis of several renditions of her songs renders visible the parallels Chavela insists in  redrawing between herself and her lover.

Other upcoming Latin American Studies, NAU No More Deaths and SPA GLC events for Spring 2018:

  • Wednesday May 2 at 7 pm in Clifford E. White Theater, An evening of Latin American one-act Plays, presented by SPA 322.
  • Friday May 4 at 7 pm in Clifford E. White Theater, An evening of Latin American one-act Plays, presented by SPA 322.