MEET OUR STORYTELLERS

  • Josefina López

    Founder Artistic Director of CASA 0101

    Josefina López, Founding Artistic Director of CASA 0101, began her writing career at 17 and has produced over 80 impactful plays in the U.S., advocating for underrepresented communities. Her iconic work, "Real Women Have Curves," resonated with audiences and became a celebrated 2002 Sundance Award-winning film. López’s bold storytelling delves into identity, culture, and femininity, inspiring many. The Broadway adaptation of "Real Women Have Curves" champions body positivity, identity, and resilience, maintaining the original's essence while showcasing women's struggles and triumphs over cultural expectations. Its powerful melodies and vibrant choreography engage new audiences and promote the celebration of all women.

  • Abel Alvarado

    Writer / Director

    Abel Alvarado's journey embodies creativity and resilience. A costume designer turned playwright, he uses fashion to enhance storytelling. His innovative works have gained acclaim for highlighting LGBTQ+ experiences with authenticity and depth. Alvarado's plays provoke thought and empathy, establishing him as a key figure in contemporary theater. As a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, he inspires others to embrace their identities. Through his art, he proves that costume design shapes narratives reflecting human experience, leaving a lasting impact on culture.

  • Katherine Moreno

    Student / Actor

    Katherine Moreno embodies the transformative power of Casa 0101. Once shy, she embraced her training to forge a new path. Starting hesitantly on stage, she learned to express herself authentically. Inspired by Casa 0101's supportive environment, she created acting workshops at her middle school, empowering others and fostering community. Her workshops nurture young talent and build confidence, reflecting Casa 0101’s belief in individual potential.  Today, she is an inspiring leader, showing how Casa’s transformative seeds can lead to impactful change.

Meet the filmmakers

Michael and Moni Vargas of the production company, Friends We Love, are an acclaimed husband-and-wife filmmaking team whose work has received three Emmy Award nominations (Red Table Talk, Best Daytime Talk Show, 2019; Con Safos, 2022; and A Ruben Ortiz Torres Story, 2023); two National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards (Con Safos, Documentary Feature, First Place, 2022 and, Con Safos, Diversity in Music/Arts TV/Video, 2022); and two Southern California Journalism Awards (Con Safos, Entertainment Personality Profile TV, First Place, 2022, and Con Safos, Entertainment News, Under Five Minutes, First Place, 2022) and a nomination for Best Documentary Short in the 2021 Official Latino Film Festival for Our Stories in Vivid Color. Their films have aired nationally on PBS, streamed globally, and screened at venues like the Brooklyn Museum and Bronx Museum. Their work centers focuses on powerful, underrepresented stories that challenge the status quo and uplift community voices.

The Vargas’ have worked with talents like Will Smith, Queen Latifah and Eva Longoria, and partnered with studios including PBS, Sony Pictures, Apple and Westbrook Entertainment. Established in 2008, their signature project, Friends We Love, is a groundbreaking, self-funded digital archive of over 100 short-form documentaries spotlighting underrepresented artists and creative communities. Their work has been broadcast nationally, streamed and screened at international film festivals, the United Nations. With a deep commitment to inclusivity, equity, healing, and collective liberation, Friends We Love continues to push the boundaries of independent filmmaking while partnering with youth programs, public institutions, and cultural spaces to amplify stories that shift narratives and spark lasting connections. Learn more at: Friends We Love

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Celebrate CASA 0101 Theater: 25 Years of Transformation!

Join us at CASA 0101 Theater and become a force for change! For 25 years, we've been a beacon of creativity, driving passion and growth through vibrant storytelling that champions Latino voices.

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