CassandroFeb. 15, 2018 - In the macho world of Mexican lucha libre wrestling, there is a tradition of certain wrestlers, known as exóticos, competing in drag, a practice that has existed since the 1940s. On Thursday, March 8, one of these exóticos, Cassandro, will be on campus to screen a documentary and reflect on his play of masculinity and femininity, and how his identity as a luchador helped him find himself as a human being.  The event will be held in the Petit Salon from 6 to 8 p.m.

In addition to being a wrestler, Cassandro is also an Aztec/Mexica dancer and is able to cross boundaries politically, socially, and culturally. The ambitious young athlete immediately suffered rejection and abuse from his fellow luchadores, but his perseverance eventually won him the affection of borderland lucha libre fans and wrestlers alike. Several documentaries have been produced to recount Cassandro’s story, in which he shares his personal story and reflects on the apparent contradictions between his glamorous, drag queen-like persona and the violence he exacts in the ring.

You can learn more about Cassandro by checking out this short biography. (PDF, 226KB).  You can also view videos about Cassandro on YouTube and Vimeo.

For more information contact Motoko Kitazumi at 805-437-3243 or motoko.kitazumi@csuci.edu

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