WELCOME TO
REAL WOMAN HAVE CURVES –
PRE-SHOW
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1. ABOUT THE PLAY
Real Women Have Curves is a funny and powerful story about five women working in a small sewing factory in East L.A. They share dreams, secrets, and struggles as they stitch clothes—and their lives—together. But one of them is hiding something that could change everything...
This play is based on the original story Real Woman Have Curves by Josefina Lopez
2. MEET THE AUTHOR
JOSEFINA LOPEZ started her writing career at 17 and has had over 150 productions of her many plays throughout the country. Josefina has been working as a professional screenwriter in Hollywood for over 30 years with countless development deals and screenplay assignments. Born in San Luis Potosi, Mexico in 1969, Josefina Lopez was five years old when she and her family migrated to the United States and settled in the Los Angeles. Read more about her on her website.
Have students get to know authors better using this activity.
3. WHEN AND WHERE
THE FRIST WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 1987
During this time the United States was experiencing major shifts.
Ronald Reagan was president, and the country was deep into the conservative wave of the 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 LA 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 LA was a place of resilience, creativity, and community pride—qualities that shine through in the characters of Real Women Have Curves.
4. GOOD TO KNOW
EAST LA
These phrases capture the vibe of East L.A. in the ’80s and help tell the story of life during that time. Take a look at the slide show to learn more!
For more information about the language of 1980's East LA click here!
5. WHO'S WHO
Read the descriptions below and click on each photo for the actor’s bio.
Ana – Recent high school graduate, feminist, aspiring writer, hates being underestimated, hides her journal behind the toilet. She’s outspoken and idealistic, 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.”
TBA
Ana
Estela – Owner of the sewing factory, Ana’s older sister, practical and stressed, secretly romantic, has a criminal record for stealing a lobster. She’s overwhelmed by financial pressure but 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!”
TBA
Estela
Carmen – Ana and Estela’s mother, dramatic and opinionated, loves mole and gossip, fears aging and losing her identity. She’s tough on her daughters but deeply loves them, struggling 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.”
TBA
Carmen
Pancha – Mellow but sharp-tongued, struggles with infertility, loves snacks and sarcasm, doesn’t trust easily. 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.”
TBA
Pancha
Rosali – Sweet and soft-spoken, a reliable friend, and obsessed with dieting. She doesn't always treat herself the best, but learns to value herself beyond appearances.
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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.”
Carolyn Johnson
Rosali
Use this activity to explore the characters more deeply.
*Resident Acting Company Member
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!
