Behind the Creation of La Llorona: A Journey into Storytelling and Mental Health

Behind the Creation of La Llorona: A Journey into Storytelling and Mental Health
By Julianna Rubio Slager

Growing up, my Papa shared the story of La Llorona with me. It’s a tale many children in Mexico hear—a story of a woman named Maria, who in a fit of rage drowns her children after being abandoned by her husband. The haunting wails of La Llorona become a warning to us: "Don’t wander alone, or La Llorona will find you." For years, I carried this story with me, viewing Maria as a symbol of fear, an example of what happens when anger takes hold. But as I’ve grown, especially as a mother, I’ve begun to ask: What if there’s more to Maria than a cautionary tale? What if her story represents something deeper—something many women like me face every day?

The journey of creating Ballet 5:8’s La Llorona began with this question. Could Maria’s story be a reflection of the silent struggles so many women endure—struggles with postpartum depression, with societal pressure, with expectations of perfection? As I explored these ideas, I came across a devastating statistic: approximately 15% of all women experience postpartum depression (PPD). But among Black and Latina women, the rates are even higher. This reality hit home for me, not only as a Latina but as someone who has personally battled postpartum depression.

After the births of my second and third children, I faced the depths of PPD firsthand. I was leading Ballet 5:8, a growing organization, yet inside, I was grappling with thoughts that made me feel disconnected from the world. I wasn’t alone. I realized that many Black and Latina women experience this, but far too often, the stories of our struggles go untold, hidden behind the facade of strength and resilience we are expected to maintain. The pressure to live up to Marianisma—the ideal of being a perfect, self-sacrificing woman—only deepened the weight.

In creating La Llorona, I wanted to reimagine Maria’s journey. Instead of a woman condemned to eternal grief, what if Maria’s story offered hope? What if we could imagine a world where women like Maria get the support they need, where their pain is seen, and their struggles are validated? It’s an artistic choice that has been deeply personal for me, and it’s one that’s been strengthened by our partnership with Dr. Cheryl Tatano Beck, one of the leading researchers in postpartum depression. Her work has been transformative in helping us understand the broader context of PPD, particularly in communities of color. I was deeply moved when she told me, “I am blown away by this project. It will help so many people who do not know the depths of despair that postpartum depression can bring to a mother and her family.”

But beyond mental health, this ballet is also about honoring heritage. The fusion of Mexican folkloric dance forms, such as Son Jarocho and Danza de los Concheros, allowed us to embrace the cultural roots of La Llorona while giving the story a contemporary voice. Partnering with the National Museum of Mexican Art and RAICES Chicago Story Coalition has helped ground this work in a rich cultural history. It’s been an honor to blend traditional Mexican forms with the modern techniques of ballet to tell a story that speaks to both past and present.

The character of La Llorona herself is pivotal—she is not merely a haunting figure. She is the embodiment of Maria’s internal battle, a shadow of the depression that grips her. In the choreography, I used La Llorona to represent that invisible weight that so many women carry with them after giving birth. Through her presence, we explore how Maria is torn between her love for her children and the all-consuming sadness she can’t escape.

Throughout the process, we’ve drawn inspiration from many sources—folklore, personal experiences, and the research we’ve done alongside experts like Dr. Beck. But at its core, the heart of La Llorona is a plea for empathy and understanding. It’s an acknowledgment that behind every myth, there’s a person, and behind every struggle, there’s a story worth telling. I believe this ballet will not only bring awareness to postpartum depression but also create a space for important conversations around mental health, especially within Black and Latina communities.

I hope that by reimagining Maria’s story, we can inspire hope, healing, and greater compassion. La Llorona is a reflection of the struggles so many of us face, but it’s also a reminder that there is light on the other side of darkness. Through this ballet, we give Maria a chance to be seen, to be understood, and ultimately, to be redeemed.

We invite you to experience La Llorona at the Harris Theater on October 5th and 6th. Come witness this reimagining of a classic myth—one that honors our shared heritage and sparks important discussions about life, faith, and the human condition.