What do you get when you have a Mexican girl from a strict Catholic upbringing with a need to, explore? For Maria Elena Fernández, the answer is a "cha cha feminist."\nFor Bloomington residents, it means a chance to see a one-woman, autobiographical play about feminism, rebellion and growing up.\nIn "Confessions of a Cha Cha Feminist," showing at 7 p.m. Thursday in Alumni Hall in the Indiana Memorial Union, Fernández chronicles her upbringing, in what the Los Angeles Times called a rib-tickling, refreshingly directing confessional," noting its "wry insight." \nAccording to a press release, Fernández's journey began when she left the strictness of her Mexican immigrant family and Catholic school to explore the Ivy-covered walls of Yale University. \nThe 1980s culture of the time, which included women with big hair, red lips and spiked heels, influenced Fernández's style. In addition, the feminist ideals she learned in class shared an equal inspiration, according to the press release. \nThus, the conflict began as she tried to establish herself as an independent woman and at the same time keep up with her aesthetic appearance.\nFernández first took up professional arts in her late 20s, focusing on her Latino identity through reporting, solo performance and poetry. She has been published in LA Weekly and in the anthology "Urban Latino Cultures." She has also taken the stage in New York, San Antonio, Mexico City, and in Los Angeles. \nNow, and the cha cha feminist will be adding the Bloomington stage to her repertoire. \n"Students will enjoy this entertaining coming of age story amidst today's merging cultures," Union Board Diversity Performance Director Alfonso Lerma said in a press release.\nThe performance will be followed by a conversation with the artist.
--IDS reporter Paige Ingram contributed to this report.
