La Hija del Lechero

Performance. Spring 2016. Chicago IL, USA

Based on psychoanalyst Melanie Klein’s idea of the part-object - the bad breast. The title translates intoThe Milkman’s Daughter. A common expression in Mexico used to imply a child is not the claimed father’s kin - usually used when a kid fails to resemble their parents physically. A cruel expression meant to insinuate the child is a bastard.

Performed dressed like a milkmaid. Red and white employ many symbols.

While bathing in 8 gallons of milk, a mantra in Spanish was repeated using two different voices.

Voice of Mother : “Quiere lechita de mi chichita mija?” Want little milk from my little tit, my little one?

Voice of Child: “Quiero lechita de tu chichita mami.” I want little milk from your little tit mommy.

The aggre-suggestive presence on stage intends to provoke inquiry into our most intimate relationships. An exploration of cost of living — cost of milk can serve as a basic marker to assess the economics of place.

On a pragmatic note, the realization of this piece was physically tolling. A single person carrying over half a dozen gallons of milk on the L train can be weighed down.

A ritual enacted to reclaim and integrate bliss from the pain of a bloodline. A baptism of sorts.

Materials: 8 gallons of milk. recycled glass bottles. reclaimed milk crates. bucket. galvanized steel cleaning bucket. plastic . gingham check apron. white thigh high socks with red bows. lace head scarf. sponge. tarps. tape.