Watsonville (play)

Watsonville is a play written by Cherríe Moraga. It is a multi-layered drama exploring themes of community, environmental injustice, faith, and sexuality, set against the backdrop of the real-life health crisis in Watsonville, California, a predominantly Latinx agricultural community plagued by a high rate of miscarriages and birth defects allegedly linked to pesticide exposure.

The play incorporates elements of magical realism and religious symbolism, particularly drawing upon Catholic iconography and indigenous spiritual practices. It intertwines the personal stories of several characters, including a group of women struggling with infertility and the loss of their unborn children. The narrative explores their relationships with each other, their families, and the land, highlighting the interconnectedness between the health of the environment and the health of the community.

Watsonville examines the political and social forces that contribute to environmental racism and the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on marginalized communities. It questions the role of corporations, government agencies, and societal structures in perpetuating these injustices.

The play has been produced by various theater companies and universities, often sparking discussions about environmental justice, reproductive rights, and the experiences of Latinx communities in the United States. Moraga's work is known for its powerful portrayal of complex social issues and its use of poetic language and theatrical imagery.