Becoming Chavela

About the Project

Becoming Chavela is an award-winning docu-cabaret performance of the life and music of Chavela Vargas set within the art world and social milieu of mid-century Mexico City when it was the cultural capital of Latin America." Iconic, trailblazing lesbian Mexican singer, Chavela Vargas, muse to Oscar winning Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar, was, in his words, a “volcano.” Edgy and fearless, she gained entry into the exciting mid-century Mexico City artistic scene through her friendship with Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Forgotten for years, she experienced an artistic rebirth in her early 70’s and continued to sing until her death at the age of 93. Chavela constantly broke with social, cultural, and gender norms, defying conventions and living her tumultuous life on her own terms. Ahead of her times, Chavela’s trailblazing story touches on gender issues, gay rights, immigration and Mexican culture. Songs of lust and longing and stories of her friendships with Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Liz Taylor and Pedro Almodóvar will intrigue and entertain you. Becoming Chavela is an award-winning docu-cabaret performance of the life and music of Chavela Vargas set within the art world and social milieu of mid-century Mexico City when it was the cultural capital of Latin America." Iconic, trailblazing lesbian Mexican singer, Chavela Vargas, muse to Oscar winning Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar, was, in his words, a “volcano.” Edgy and fearless, she gained entry into the exciting mid-century Mexico City artistic scene through her friendship with Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Forgotten for years, she experienced an artistic rebirth in her early 70’s and continued to sing until her death at the age of 93. Chavela constantly broke with social, cultural, and gender norms, defying conventions and living her tumultuous life on her own terms. Ahead of her times, Chavela’s trailblazing story touches on gender issues, gay rights, immigration and Mexican culture. Songs of lust and longing and stories of her friendships with Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Liz Taylor and Pedro Almodóvar will intrigue and entertain you.
Becoming Chavela emerged as part bioplay and part homage—a cabaret show enriched with biographical narrative and enactment, Mexican songs and illustrated with multimedia. Ms. Trudeau says, “I’m Puerto Rican, but I feel this Mexican singer in my bones.” She adds, "What I love about her music is its primal power. It’s heart-breaking. I had to sing these songs. I had to tell Chavela’s story.”