Work-in-Progress: What If She Could Walk? by Cristal González Avila

Join Cristal González Avila as she performs a work-in-progress of her upcoming show, What If She Could Walk, followed by a Q&A, at MACLA. Anchored in González Avila's lived experience as the daughter of a mother with multiple sclerosis, What If She Could Walk? reimagines the constrained lives of campesina women, mothers, daughters, and caregivers who have been expected to endure without rest or recognition. Commissioned by Su Teatro (Denver, CO) and MACLA, in collaboration with the National Performance Network, this performance weaves monologue, ritual, and physical storytelling with a live original score by composer Daniel Valdez and projected photography and sound design by Kevin Hernández, each with deep roots in farmworker histories. Through this collaboration, the team builds a sensory world informed by community story circles, family archives, and ancestral knowledge. Together, they uplift voices often left out of dominant narratives—disabled women, undocumented laborers, and intergenerational caretakers. With the audience feedback from this work-in-progress viewing, González Avila will premiere her full production of What If She Could Walk? at MACLA February 25-27, 2027. MACLA is proud to premiere groundbreaking new work that we’ve commissioned by nationally acclaimed artists whose voices are shaping contemporary Latinx art. Each season, we bring notable performers and innovative productions to San José, creating a rare opportunity for our community to experience the same level of artistry seen on major national stages—right here in the heart of our neighborhood. At MACLA, we believe everyone should have access to world-class performances, while ensuring that the artists we present are equitably paid and celebrated for their incredible work. Without any subsidies, the true cost of a ticket is $150. Our tiered pricing makes this work accessible to everyone: $30 Reserved Seating – Paying at this level helps sustain MACLA’s mission. $20 General Admission – A community rate that keeps our program accessible. $10 Student - Pay What You Can Tickets – The next generation should always have a seat in this theater. When you purchase a ticket, you’re not just attending a performance—you’re helping MACLA keep nationally celebrated Latinx stories and artists on our stage and in our community. Thank you to our supporters, including Applied Materials, Bank of America Foundation, City of San Jose Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs, County of Santa Clara, Hewlett Foundation, Koret Foundation, Latino Community Foundation, National Performance Network, Packard Foundation, Shortino Foundation, Silicon Valley Community Foundation, SV Creates, and Team San Jose. Donate to MACLA to help make this production happen. Photo Credit: Alfredo Avila