Week 4 (rasquachismo) Higuera, Mara

Rasquachismo is one of the earliest methods used in Chicano theater. As one of the methods widely used by el Teatro Campesino. Originating in the fields with Luis Valdez, rasquachismo started more as a necessity as farm workers attempted to call for a change in the fields. Rasquachismo can be identified as a method of theater where minimum props and sets are used. Rasquachismo consists of three major elements throughout the play which are the play actively brings an issue to light, there is a conflict in the middle of the play, and finally the play hints at a solution for the problem presented in the beginning. Some examples of the set up used in rasquachismo are seen in early Chicano plays such as Los Vendidos where the actors do not utilize props but rather held up a sign with the character same. For instance, when switching to other characters the same actor would simply switch signs to signify an entrance and exit of a character. Another characteristic of rasquachismo is the comedic and almost cartoon like humor. The sort of humor used in rasquachismo can be somewhat aligned with that of Charlie Chaplin or El Chavo Del Ocho where over exaggeration of expressions is heavily used. In addition, rasquachismo focuses on the interchanging and power dynamics between relationships. One way to look at it is normally when the issue is presented in the pay the person with power is expressed through the character having a tall stance or standing on a pedistool higher than all the other characters. As the play progresses this character with power ends up in the bottom of the power heirachy normally hunched or on the floor, the call to action is normally presented once this character’s power begins to decline.The purpose of rasquachismo is to highlight social issues and call for a change through the entertainment of theater. All in all, rasquachismo is a simple yet powerful form of theater which originated with El Teatro Campesino in the late 60’s early 70’s. In forms of art this can be interpreted as a recycled form of art. Some examples can be using simple, cheap, and recycled materials to create any form of art not just theater.