La Tunda A Reimagining of a Colombian Folklore

Ankita Ashrit

Acting as Tamara

Ankita Ashrit is so thrilled to be a part of MN Fringe again! She has been a Minnesota resident for almost 10 years and is grateful for the community of artists who have supported and accepted her throughout the years. Hi mom! Hi Artemis (cat)!

Could Tamara be La Tunda?

Diego Symouksavanh

Acting as Santi

Diego Symouksavanh is a Laos and Mexican actor in the Twin Cities. He has a passion for voiceover, puppetry, TTRPGs, and sound design. His most recent work includes Sanctuary City (Theater in the Round), The Rocky Horror Show (Orthogonal Productions), Twelfth Night (Shakesqueer Ensemble), and Love in a Time of Hate (Teatro Del Pueblo).

Could Santi be La Tunda?

Edduar Peralta

Acting as Andrés

Edduar Peralta is originally from Campeche, Mexico, and has been a local Twin Cities actor and drag king competitor in regional and national pageants for over two years. He is the owner of ED Dream Decor, a decorator for all events and occasions, and a producer of Latin Drag Brunches throughout Minneapolis. Edduar, under his stage name, Exotic LaReese, is the recent TWinner of Drag Duels Cycle 4. Find Exotic at the City of Lakes All American Gent pageantry at 9 pm at the Gay 90s on July 4th and August 1st!

Could Andrés be La Tunda?

Jex Arzayús

Acting as Dario and Co-Writer

Jex Arzayús is a Latinx Colombian transman actor and multidisciplinary artist based in the Twin Cities, with over eight years of professional acting experience. Jex directs Soap-Prov, an improvised soap opera that has performed throughout the state, and teaches art and design in the Roseville school district. Jex performs regularly in the local improv scene at venues including the Twin Cities Improv Festival, Bryant Lake Bowl, and the Phoenix Theater. Jex is thrilled to make his Fringe-producing debut and to act as Dario, a trans-Colombian American. You’ll find Jex immersed in his favorite passion project, collaborating with his partner, Ora, and hanging with the kittens, Thor and Rune.

Could Dario be La Tunda?

John Blocher

Acting as Emilio

John Blocher is an actor and poet. He made his short film debut, co-starring in "A Night of Charade," at the Z-Fest Film Festival in April 2025. When not writing or performing, John enjoys cooking, dancing, reading, and spending time with loved ones.

Could Emilio be La Tunda?

Laura Hild

Acting as Charlie

Laura is excited to be back performing in MN Fringe this year! She has been dabbling in the comedic arts for the past ten years in the Twin Cities. Performing improv, sketch, dance, and also writing and producing shows. She is a member of the improv teams Soap-Prov, The Provettes, The Unnamed Jill Bernard Project, and Miscellany and is a ComedySportz player. She loves a good steak off the grill and snuggling with her cat, Charlie.

Could Charlie be La Tunda?

Maureen L. Bourgeois

Acting as Madre

Maureen L. Bourgeois is a Twin Cities-based performer, writer, and director. Maureen can also be seen in “The 4 W’s and the H of Murder” (which she also wrote) at Mixed Blood Theatre. Maureen loves performing and, after a performance break, has been seen onstage in “Who Killed Ariel,” “Fractured Remembrances,” “Lock-In,” and staged readings for Threshold Theatre and A Drinking Game Minnesota. Maureen also works as a Standardized Patient/Client and as a Crisis Intervention Actor, utilizing her performance and education background to help people work on interpersonal and practical skills.

Could Madre be La Tunda?

Robby Miller

Acting as Jack

Robby Miller is a Twin Cities-based performer and improviser, excited to return to the Minnesota Fringe Festival and present this original queer work. Robby graduated from Hamline University in 2018 with a degree in Theatre Arts and has previous Minnesota Fringe credits, including The News with Clevername Theatre (2018) and Plaid Tales with No Way Theatre (2019). He has also held various administrative roles in the local arts scene, working with companies such as Hennepin Arts, Park Square Theatre, and the Minnesota Fringe itself. When he's not performing around the Twin Cities improv scene, Robby is an avid world traveler, father to his orange tabby cat Akito, and a die-hard Minnesota Timberwolves fan, where he has been a member of the team's Action Pack for the past several years.

Could Jack be La Tunda?

Ora Jay

Director and Co-Writer

Having been involved with La Tunda since its inception—as co-writer and marketing manager—Ora is thrilled to make a theatrical directorial debut. In 2024, Ora earned the First-Time Filmmaker Award at the Z-Fest Film Festival and couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the MN Fringe Festival. Heartfelt thanks go out to the entire cast and crew for their dedication and to Jex Arzayús for co-writing and producing the show. Keep an eye out for the film Arousal Broom at local film festivals.

Molly Murray

Stage Manager

Molly has worked in almost all aspects of theater, including acting. Molly stage managed for the first JexArzayus Productions play, Lock-In, in 2023 with Twin Cities Horror Festival. She acted for Lady Z Productions' 2023 Fringe show, Choose Your Own Fringe Adventure. When push comes to shove, Molly knows how to get it done. You can find Molly rocking out in her band, Femmelectric, and hanging out with her dog, Torii.

Wesley Erickson

Wesley is a Twin Cities artist. While primarily an actor and Improviser, this is Wesley's second foray in Sound Design, the first being JexArzayús Productions' play, Lock-In. When not doing sound and performing, you can probably find him sipping on some yerba maté, watching an action movie.

Special Thanks

  • Domestic Violence Consultant - Heather Westmoreland
  • Developmental Editor - Callie S.
  • Developmental Editor - Lara H.
  • Dramaturg - Alicia W.
  • Spanish Consultant - Jennifer Hernandez
  • Stage Combat Choreographer - Mike Lubke

Who could be La Tunda?

© JexArzayús Productions

Credits:

Ora Jay