Muñeca

‘Muñeca’ tells the story of a first generation Canadian born Latina, who is “abandoned” by their mentally ill parent, and survives through a menial job and turning their hobby into an art. “Mags” is a twenty-something living during COVID-19 in Toronto, working as a parcel shipper by day, and doll Vlogger by night. Since her art has slowed down, she posts weekly videos as a way to drum up business and catalogue her process of customizing used, broken dolls, and giving them a second chance to be loved by a new ”doll mommy”. In the midst of creating, she reveals her muses: Crafting sugarskull dolls in the image of her ancestors and relatives that have passed away. She also slowly reveals how she came to live in the attic of a shared a home, and what made her begin collecting dolls in the first place. Joining the growing field of online “influencing”, she catalogs her journey through ‘VOLGS’ as she prepares for an upcoming contest and selling her latest customs online. At the same time, she answers commenter’s questions: some regarding her hobby, and some regarding her ancestry, and the way she’s using her art to honour her ancestors; doll is made, and once the competition is over she adds it to her offrenda. But her true origins, where she came from are harder for her to admit. As the pandemic and her parent’s health worsen, she is forced to confront her past. She is literally surrounded by forgotten and unloved dolls, wondering if like her, they are burdened and plagued with recollections. How can any of them embrace a new, happier future, and still acknowledge their painful pasts?

October 19, 2021 at 7:00 PM

About the artist

Aracely Reyes (writer & performer) is a multidisciplinary “gothist” working as an Actress, Playwright, Visual artist, Stage Manager, and Director. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Toronto Scarborough in June 2012. She is a graduate of bcurrent Performing Arts raiz’n in the sun ensemble, and has created several shows for various festivals in Toronto, including Paprika, De Colores, afteRock, Images and the Fringe Festivals. She is the author of her self-published Illustration and Poetry book: “Tragic Love.”  When she’s not writing dark monologues or preparing for her next show, she’s in her makeshift studio, working on an oil painting or doodling in her sketch book. Currently, she owns a collection of 190 dolls. For more please visit her at www.cell-air.mirrorz.com

Daniel Kiernan~Mizery Koss is a visual artist living and working in Toronto. In 2009 he won an award for being the top of his class in painting. His favourite medium is oil paint, which he uses to create alluring, abstract horror paintings. In recent years, he has collaborated in theatre productions, creating backdrops, set designs, and promotional materials. CAMINOS will be his first Theatre Festival.