For L.A.-based musician, composer and artist San Cha, the Spanish language is a creative gold mine. “One of my favorite Spanish words is ’embriágame,’ which I think the direct translation is ‘make me drunk’ or ‘intoxicate me,'” she says. “I love that word. I think there’s a song by Thalía that has that word, it’s called ‘Piel Morena,’ and every time she said that, I’m like – ‘That’s it!'”

San Cha is speaking of her latest work, “Inebria me,” ahead of its Los Angeles premiere Thursday at REDCAT, inside the Walt Disney Concert Hall complex. “Inebria me” is a 90-minute experimental opera that expands on her critically acclaimed 2019 ranchera fusion album, “The Light of Hope.” San Cha stars as Dolores, a humble bride to the much wealthier Salvador, whose jealousy turns deadly; enter Esperanza, a genderless spirit of empowerment, who helps light Dolores’ path to freedom.

Having gone from singing rancheras in the restaurants of Mexico City to experimenting in underground drag scenes in the bay Area, San cha has developed a knack for synthesizing disparate influences that result in visually arresting and thought-provoking work. Born Lizette Gutierrez in San Jose to Mexican immigrant parents, San Cha grew up offsetting her intense Bible study by binging on telenovelas after school. It shows in “Inebria me,” where she employs the classic narrative structure of the telenovela, but with a queer twist. “I wanted to hold [onto] the queerness of [the story] and the religious aspects of it,” she says.The opera is the latest of San Cha’s collaborative efforts. She’s previously linked up with an array of artists – including La Doña, Rafa Esparza, Yesika Salgado and even contry singer Kacey Musgraves, who featured San cha in a pivotal moment from her 2021 visual album, “Star-crossed.” Darian Donovan Tho

“inebria Me” Creator on Blending Opera,Telenovelas,and Queer Desire

Composer and performer Xenia Rubinos’ new work,”Inebria Me,” is a genre-bending exploration of desire,power,and identity. Rooted in personal experience and inspired by the dramatic flair of telenovelas,the piece defies easy categorization,blending elements of opera,disco,and ranchera music. Rubinos recently discussed the origins and evolution of “Inebria me,” offering insights into her artistic process and the cultural influences that shaped the work.

The idea for “Inebria Me” began to solidify in 2023 or 2024,spurred by a grant partnership with the National Performance Network,the Portland Institute for Contemporary Art,and Performance space New York. This collaboration prompted Rubinos to consider how to adapt her existing work for a wider audience.

Rubinos’ artistic background diverges from conventional theatrical training. She didn’t grow up immersed in theater or film,describing a relatively sheltered upbringing focused on religious study.This lack of exposure to mainstream American cultural touchstones shaped her unique perspective.

Family reaction to the piece has been mixed. Her parents, after seeing a preview in San Jose, offered understated feedback, with her mother specifically requesting the inclusion of ranchera songs – a request Rubinos ultimately fulfilled at a closing night performance.

despite its unconventional approach, “Inebria Me” maintains a clear narrative structure, with nearly all dialog delivered through song. Rubinos acknowledges the operatic elements of the work, noting that her vocal style has naturally evolved in that direction, allowing the piece to embrace a range of musical styles – from hardcore and pop to operatic influences.

The incorporation of telenovelas stemmed from Rubinos’ desire to create a queer-centered musical drama. She envisioned a telenovela set to disco music, aiming to capture the illusion of glamour that often masks darker undercurrents. Her earliest memories of telenovelas involved watching children’s programs, but one particular series featuring pop star Lucero playing a trio of characters, including a villainous counterpart, left a lasting impression, even sparking a sense of unease and captivation with the genre’s dramatic intensity.

For The Love of Dogs: A Conversation with Sofia For De Los

Sofia For De Los isn’t just a dog trainer; she’s a translator. For over a decade, she’s dedicated her life to understanding canine behavior and bridging the interaction gap between humans and thier furry companions. Her approach, rooted in positive reinforcement and a deep respect for dogs’ natural instincts, has earned her a devoted following and a reputation as one of the most insightful voices in the dog training world.

“People often ask me what my dogs have taught me,” For de Los says with a smile. “And the biggest lesson is patience. Dogs live in the moment. They don’t hold grudges, and they’re always willing to try again. We, as humans, can learn a lot from that.”

from Skeptic to Advocate

For De Los didn’t always embrace positive reinforcement. She initially began her career using more traditional, correction-based methods. “I thought that’s just how it was done,” she admits. “But I quickly realized it wasn’t building a genuine connection with the dogs. It was about control, not understanding.”

A turning point came when she started studying the work of pioneers like Karen Pryor and Ian Dunbar.”Their research on operant conditioning and learning theory wholly changed my perspective. I realized we can achieve far better results – and a much happier relationship with our dogs – by focusing on rewarding desired behaviors instead of punishing unwanted ones.”

The Power of Observation

Central to For De Los’s beliefs is careful observation.She emphasizes the importance of truly watching your dog, learning to recognize their subtle cues, and understanding the underlying reasons for their behavior.

“So frequently enough, we misinterpret what our dogs are trying to tell us,” she explains. “A dog that’s barking isn’t necessarily being aggressive; they might be anxious or frustrated. A dog that’s chewing isn’t being destructive; they might be bored or experiencing separation anxiety. We need to look beyond the surface and try to understand the root cause.”

Common Mistakes Owners Make

For De Los identifies several common mistakes dog owners make. One is inconsistent training. “Dogs thrive on routine and predictability. If you sometimes allow your dog on the couch and sometimes don’t, you’re sending mixed signals. Be consistent with your rules and expectations.”

another mistake is failing to provide adequate mental stimulation. “Dogs need more than just physical exercise. They need puzzles,games,and opportunities to use their brains.A tired dog is a good dog, but a mentally stimulated dog is an even better dog.”

The Future of Dog Training

For De Los is optimistic about the future of dog training. She believes there’s a growing awareness of the importance of positive reinforcement and a shift away from outdated, punitive methods.

“I think we’re finally starting to see dogs as individuals with their own unique personalities and needs,” she says. “And that’s a really exciting thing. When we approach dog training with empathy, respect, and a willingness to learn, we can build truly incredible relationships with our canine companions.”