The real star of Showtime's new series? L.A.'s neglected Mexican and Chicano history
Netflix’s “Gentefied,” executive produced by America Ferrera, confronts gentrification in Boyle Heights. Can it avoid contributing to the problem?
Adriana Barraza, shown in a scene with Daniel Zovatto, delved into research on the folk saint known as Santa Muerte for her role in “Penny Dreadful: City of Angels.” Immediately, Logan knew he wanted to tell a story about a Latino family. But, being Irish, he knew he had some work to do to make sure the story carried authenticity and wasn’t plagued with stereotypes or caricatures. In addition to his intensive research, he surrounded himself with people who would keep him “honest,” like Latinx writers Jose Rivera and Tatiana Suarez-Pico, directors Paco Cabezas and Roxann Dawson, and producing partner Michael Aguilar.
Only one element gave her pause, and that was how Santa Muerte was represented. In Mexico today, Barraza noted, Santa Muerte has become a symbol for drug cartels, which she wasn’t comfortable with. Since her character is most connected to the sacred entity, she took it upon herself to research Santa Muerte, and discovered that “in the ’30s era, Santa Muerte was a blessed character that helps men get to God.
“[Logan] put the Mexican community and their beliefs into a very deep and true dimension in the United States,” Barraza added. “The show acknowledges that they are no longer Mexicans, but they are Mexican Americans and Chicanos, which, as you know, is different. The show offers a Mexican perspective through my character, and a Chicano perspective through my kids on the show, and the suffering Chicanos went through and are still going through.
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