Para.Mar Dance Theatre's 'Mujeres' Explores Extremes of Womanhood

The contemporary dance company's new evening-length work is based on poems by Chilean Nobel laureate Gabriela Mistral.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 4:48pm

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An abstract close-up image featuring shimmering sequins and plush velvet textures, captured in high-contrast studio lighting to convey the conceptual glamour and intensity of the 'Mujeres' ballet.The lavish textures and dramatic lighting of 'Mujeres' evoke the emotional extremes of the women portrayed in Gabriela Mistral's poetry.Chicago Today

Launched at the height of the pandemic, Para.Mar Dance Theatre choreographer Stephanie Martinez created a single short work, 'Kiss,' to introduce the company to Chicago. Now, Martinez has been working on the stunning evening-length ballet 'Mujeres' since 2023, which premieres this weekend with just two performances at the Logan Center on the University of Chicago's campus. 'Mujeres' is based on a series of texts by Chilean poet Gabriela Mistral, capturing vignettes of women in extremis.

Why it matters

The 'Mujeres' ballet represents a new milestone for Para.Mar Dance Theatre, allowing choreographer Stephanie Martinez to fully explore her signature aesthetic of grounded, luxuriously legato phrase work punctuated with quirky oddities and quasi-pedestrian motifs. The work also delves into the dualities of identity and womanhood that were a throughline of Mistral's poetry.

The details

The production features an evocative soundscape spanning South American rhythms, Afro-Caribbean flavors, Flamenco, European classicism, and original compositions. The set and costume design create a quasi-purgatory aesthetic, neither fully 'now' or 'then.' Highlights include a delightfully apathetic ballerina character and a sensational strut sequence where the ensemble's four men don unforgiving black pumps.

  • Para.Mar Dance Theatre began in a parking lot during the height of the pandemic in 2020.
  • Choreographer Stephanie Martinez has been working on 'Mujeres' since 2023.
  • 'Mujeres' premieres this weekend, April 18-19, 2026, with just two performances at the Logan Center.

The players

Stephanie Martinez

The choreographer and artistic director of Para.Mar Dance Theatre, known for her grounded, luxuriously legato phrase work punctuated with quirky oddities.

Gabriela Mistral

The Chilean poet whose 1954 poem cycle 'Locas Mujeres' ('Madwomen') serves as the inspiration for 'Mujeres,' capturing vignettes of women in extremis.

Para.Mar Dance Theatre

The contemporary dance company that premiered its first work, 'Kiss,' in a parking lot during the pandemic and is now debuting the evening-length ballet 'Mujeres.'

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What they’re saying

“'Mujeres' is proof of concept that time and resources — in this case three years and a gaggle of residencies — produce special pieces.”

— Lauren Warnecke, Dance Critic

What’s next

After the two performances at the Logan Center this weekend, Para.Mar Dance Theatre will likely look to tour 'Mujeres' to other venues and festivals to share Stephanie Martinez's latest choreographic work inspired by Gabriela Mistral's poetry.

The takeaway

Para.Mar Dance Theatre's 'Mujeres' showcases choreographer Stephanie Martinez's ability to create deeply personal, conceptual works that explore the dualities of identity and womanhood. The production's blend of historical and contemporary elements, as well as its multifaceted score, demonstrate the company's artistic ambition and Martinez's evolution as a choreographer.