She explores themes of race, culture, and identity in her works, and constructs characters that develop unconventional relationships and overcome situations via unique escapist approaches.
[2] In April 2017, she spoke on the Challenging Stigma Through the Arts and Technology panel as part of the Nasty Women Unite Fest.
While observing the other actors in the class perform a scene, Hurst-Mendoza recalls herself reconfiguring in her mind how the acting teacher had chosen to stage the play.
They run four active programs, including INKtank, PlayRISE, The Refinery, and Spectrum Series, each of which provide artists of color and members of the theater community opportunities to create and develop their work as well as foster strong collaborations and networks.
It is an annual opportunity for the current year's INKtank writers to work with professional actors and directors to showcase staged readings of their new plays.
It aims to aid young, economically disadvantaged playwrights of color to hone and develop their skills and become bigger names in the professional theater community.
Hurst-Mendoza attempts to engage with and confront such themes in her work that have become increasingly relevant in the socio-political discourse of 21st-century United States.
[5] Hurst-Mendoza has expressed an admiration for many members of and contributors to the theatre community, including Migdalia Cruz, Katori Hall, Lynn Nottage, JoAnne Akalaitis, Deborah Warner, Naomi Iizuka, Anne Bogart, Nilo Cruz, Jules Feiffer, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Paula Vogel.
[12] Source:[4] "In a small Yucatecan town circa 1960's Mexico, religiously devout Lilia is forced to turn to prostitution as a means of making a living.
Caught between the secrets and lies that force us to question the morality of human nature, LILIA presents a passionate allegory about choosing between duty and desire.
That is, until she begins a secret friendship with her "Prince Charming"--a streetwise, hipster poet-boy named Elliot, who throws poems through her window.
Together (and with a little encouragement from Speedo), Dima and Elliot embark on a magical journey of first love, culminating in an unforgettable trip to the Atlantic Ocean.
A dark twist on the “boy-meets-girl” and inspired by the unfolding true story of Ronnell Wilson and Nancy Gonzalez, Blind Crest investigates our corrupt and inherently racist judicial system, compelling us to ask, "what is the value of a Black life in America, and at what cost are we willing to fight for it?