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Rapper and hip-hop artist Andrew “Fig” Figueroa wrote and stars in “Mixed-Race Mixtape,” a theater presentation that will be presented for the second time at the Student Center Theater on the WCSU Midtown campus, 181 White St., Danbury.
An open mic starts at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, followed by the hip-hop presentation. The performance is free, and the public is invited. Figueroa, through spoken word, monologue and rap, shares experiences growing up “mixed.” A son of a white mother and Latino father, Figueroa’s songs explore the struggle to be seen as authentic, both by himself and by others. Each song examines everyday interactions and how race affects relationships with teachers, friends, family and police.
“Growing up as a mixed-Latino, I have struggled through many confusing, uncomfortable and alienating experiences — never sure where I fit, even when I knew where I wanted to fit,” Figueroa said. “Media have a big influence on how we shape our identities and how we think we should identify others. This show provides positive alternative role models and its content will start important conversations about these themes in many communities of color.”
With humor and interaction with the audience, “Mixed-Race Mixtape” takes on difficult topics while answering what it is like to be “ambiguously brown” and how to navigate that world and feel proud, authentic and safe. Figueroa wrote the show as part of his senior thesis project at Hampshire College, and each performance includes a “talk-back” session to give audience members a chance to ask deeper questions about the performance and its themes. He and his fellow performers also presented the show at WCSU in September.
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