“The project comes from the first Western play that was performed in what we now know as Mexico, a play that the Franciscans brought in to convert the indigenous population to Catholicism,” she said. “They used fireworks in order to frighten the population to make sure that the play would be effective. So the idea of this project is to use some of the same tools in a different manner — as a tool for resistance, purpose and celebration. The hope is that the event becomes a way to remember, a way to look at the future in a critical manner and a way to bring the community together.”