WELCOME TO
REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES –
PRE-SHOW
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2. MEET THE AUTHOR
JOSEFINA LÓPEZ started her writing career at the age of 17 and has had over 150 productions, of her many plays, throughout the country. She has also been working as a professional screenwriter in Hollywood for over 30 years. Born in San Luis Potosi, Mexico in 1969, Josefina López was five years old when she and her family migrated to the United States and settled in the Los Angeles.
Learn More about Josefina on her website!
3. WHEN AND WHERE
THE FIRST WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 1987
The United States was experiencing major shifts during this time.
Ronald Reagan was president, and the country was deep into the conservative wave that now helps to define the USA in the 1980s.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act had just passed the year before, offering amnesty to some undocumented immigrants - but many still lived in fear and uncertainty.
This was a time before smartphones, social media, or widespread internet access - making communication and activism more localized and personal.
A TINY SEWING FACTORY IN EAST LOS ANGELES
East L.A. was (and still is) a vibrant, predominantly Mexican-American community.
In the 1980s, it was known for its rich Chicano culture, colorful murals, and strong sense of identity. However, it also faced challenges: overcrowded schools, underfunded public services, and limited job opportunities.
Many women worked in informal sewing factories or “sweatshops,” where labor laws were often ignored.
Despite these struggles, East L.A. was a place of resilience, creativity, and community pride—qualities that shine through in the characters of Real Women Have Curves.
5. WHO'S WHO
Read the descriptions below and click on each photo for the actor’s bio.
Brenda Palestina
Ana
Ana – A recent high school graduate, feminist and aspiring writer. She hates being underestimated and hides her journal behind the toilet. She’s frustrated by her family’s expectations but determined to shape her own future.
Key Traits:
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Smart
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Bold
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Independent
“I’m keeping a journal so when I become ‘rich and famous’ I can write my autobiography.”
Estela – The owner of the sewing factory and Ana’s older sister. She has a criminal record for stealing a lobster and is overwhelmed by financial pressure. She dreams of designing clothes and proving she’s more than her mistakes.
Key Traits:
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Hardworking
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Ambitious
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Secretly tender
“I was arrested for illegal possession of… a lobster. Out of season!”
Melinna Bobadilla
Estela
Carmen – Ana and Estela’s mother. She fears aging and losing her identity. She’s tough on her daughters because she deeply loves them but struggles to balance tradition with change.
Key Traits:
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Funny
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Proud
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Maternal
“It’s because I love you that I make your life so miserable.”
Angela Lanza
Carmen
Pancha – She’s skeptical of Ana’s ideas but slowly opens up, revealing her vulnerability and loyalty.
Key Traits:
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Witty
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Guarded
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Loyal
“Wind, that’s what I am… Empty, like an old rag.”
Gloria Vivica Benavides
Pancha
Rosali – She doesn't always treat herself the best, but learns to value herself beyond appearances.
Key Traits:
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Kind
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Insecure
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Hopeful
“This is more important to me than being a size seven.”
Sophia Marcelle
Rosali
6. YOUR PART IN THE PLAY
The show can't happen without an audience. Watch the video for some great advice on playing your part.
BONUS ACTIVITY
AUDIENCE ETIQUETTE
After watching the video, improvise scenes where you encounter the best and worst audience members. If you create something fun and want to share it, tag us at @alleytheatre on Instagram or Facebook for a chance to be featured on our social platforms.
7. POST-SHOW TALKBACK
If you and your students plan to participate in the post-show talkback, encourage them to ask questions!
