Inspired by Latino folklore and mythology, “Wolf at the Door” is a thrilling part of a cycle of gothic fairy tales by Marisela Treviño Orta (“The River Bride”) that asks, who is the real wolf at your door? “Wolf at The Door” plays in PCPA’s Severson Theatre, Feb. 29-March 17.
 
After an unthinkable loss, a mysterious woman appears at Isadora and Séptimo’s hacienda.  The stranger may just be carrying the answer to Séptimo’s expectations for an heir. But she may also be carrying the key to Isadora’s liberation.

“Wolf” asks who the real monster in our stories is, and peers into the illness that can grow inside marriages, the immense power of the survival instinct, and the life-giving strength found in solidarity.
 
“Wolf at the Door” marks the second play in Orta’s ongoing cycle of “grim Latinx fairytale plays,” following PCPA’s production of “The River Bride” in 2023. 

“Wolf at the Door” is inspired by Latinx mythology, particularly the Aztec afterlife and the myth of the luison, originating with the Guarani, an indigenous people from Paraguay, which is the likely origin of the European myth of the werewolf.

Orta’s play is also informed by the European fairy tale canon, specifically the stories collected by the Brothers Grimm. Like most fairy tales, “Wolf at the Door” is rich with symbols, explores fantasy, shape-shifting, and wish-fulfillment themes, and personifies cultural fears and taboos.
 
“I have had the deep privilege of being involved in Marisela Trevino Orta’s poetic and culturally defining works throughout my career,” said director Marilet Martinez. “From living room readings to full-stage productions across the country, I have worked on, watched, and obsessed over her words and characters since we met in 2012.

“I gas her up to anyone who will hear me because I believe wholeheartedly in the importance and beauty of her work. Marisela writes plays for women and femmes.

“What I mean by that is she creates nuanced, complex, profound female characters that showcase our vulnerability, our pain, our joy, and our strength.

“While she also writes her male characters with equal care and depth, I am acutely aware of what an incredible force Marisela is to the Sisterhood and how she champions women,” Martinez said.
 
“’Wolf at the Door’ is an examination of how bravery, sisterhood and solidarity can create life-altering empowerment and positive change,” Martinez said. “This play asks us to pick each other up in the face of violence and fear, and to do it with our whole chest.

“I dedicate this play to the power mansions of women and femmes who have blessed me with their unabashed support, endless laughter, sage advice, tears over meals, and howls at the moon. Ahwoooooo!”
 
The creative team includes Martinez, Costume Designer Tracee Bear, Lighting Designer Jennifer ‘Z’ Zornow, Scenic Designer Jason Bolen, Sound Designer Ben Lechtman, Intimacy Director and Fight Director Celina Lee Surniak, and Stage Manager Jack D. Myles.

The cast includes resident artist Christen Celaya as Yolot, guest artist Kevin Rico as Séptimo, second-year acting student Edella Oroz Westerfield as Isadora, and guest artist Wilma Bonet as Rocío.
 
There will be a prologue and talkback with the playwright on March 8 after the show, and at 1 p.m. March 9. There will also be a moderated post-show talkback on March 10 with the cast of “Wolf at the Door,” accompanied by special guest director of programs and client services from Domestic Violence Solutions, Veronica Cubillo.
 
For show ticket, visit PCPA.org or contact the Box Office at 805-922-8313, boxoffice@pcpa.org.