ALAMOSA —Tuesday night was a big night in the life of Anthony Sisneros when the 22-year-old graduating senior from Adams State University (ASU) experienced something he never envisioned when he was younger.
Characters — five of them, who had existed only in his mind — came to life on the Xperimental Stage at ASU, and through dialogue, movement on the stage, and interactions with each other, told a story that was born solely in Sisneros’ imagination but inspired, in many ways, by his life.
The play, titled “Knocking on the Devil’s Door," is the story of Tony, “a young Mexican who’s reflecting on his past and how to get back the love of his life.” Sisneros credits the song “Real Gangsta” with inspiring him to turn his story into a play, but the story itself is based on how Sisneros grew up. “It’s about what I saw. What I heard. What I experienced as a teenager.”
For as long as he can remember, stories have always played a crucial role in Sisneros’ life. Whether it was reading or watching them, “consuming” stories helped to shape who he is. “There’s always been something about it that was magical — being able to experience a story, whether it was non-fiction or fiction, and being drawn in.”
But writing is an equally important part of Sisneros’ own story and is something that, he says, goes all the way back to elementary school. “I love using words that I can arrange to have an effect on the reader.”
The creative desire was so strong that it led to Sisneros entering college as an English major with a minor in Creative Writing. Once enrolled, he was guided by Associate Professor of Theater, David Gerke to become involved in the Theatre Program. But it was Dr. George McConnell, also in the Theater Department who encouraged him to consider playwriting, noting both his talent and love for writing dialogue and creating interactions between characters.
Writing and directing “Knocking on the Devil’s Door” marks a major milestone in Sisneros’ creative journey but this specific play holds great personal meaning to him, as well.
Sisneros, like his main character, Tony, was raised in Monte Vista. And, like Tony, Sisneros is loyal to his roots.
“Growing up in Monte Vista definitely exposed me to things I probably shouldn’t have been exposed to as young as I was. But it helped me to start seeing the world as it really is. Being exposed to potential dangers and that whole thing…that’s part of my connection to Monte Vista.”
Writing “Knocking on the Devil’s Door” is a way of Sisneros’ admitting his loyalty to that past. “Monte Vista is where I’m from. No matter what I do or wish I could do, I can’t change that. Since I can’t change that, I might as well acknowledge that and embrace it. I think that’s where the loyalty comes from.”
Sisneros says he didn’t directly experience “the potential dangers and…that whole thing”. His family moved to Alamosa when he was in high school, so he was “away” by the time he might have had to make some difficult choices.
“I was lucky,” he says. “But I watched it happen to people I cared about, people I was close to.” Like many writers, Sisneros doesn’t define precisely what “it” or “that whole thing” is. Instead, he leaves it up to the person hearing his story to interpret his meaning.
In talking to him, it’s clear that writing is more than a desire. It’s a passion, a creative outlet that is necessary for his survival at a certain level. “If I didn’t write, I’d just be lost. I might have pursued something that was more…traditional…but I would be lost. Basically soulless.”
But more than career pursuits, Sisneros sees great value in creativity for people — young Hispanics — who are experiencing some significant challenges in their lives. “Creativity is a healthy outlet for all the frustrations. Whether it’s a drawing or a poem or a short skit for Instagram, it’s an escape — a healthy escape — where you can dial in and focus on creating a world or getting lost in music that you’re making…it’s just a way to escape from everything.”
Sisneros goes on to make an additional point — not about his work but the work of others.
“There aren’t a lot of stories told about the experiences of young Hispanics in the San Luis Valley, especially from, I’d say, 16 to 21 years old. That age where people are beginning to be influenced by the world around them.”
That lack of stories does not spring from a lack of creativity.
“I know a lot of people who don’t follow their creative ambitions. They think they can’t do it because they’re from the Valley or they’re from Monte Vista. So, they kind of give up on things.
“One of the biggest factors in me writing this play is to say hey, even if you’re from Monte Vista or somewhere else in the Vally, you can still follow your creative ambitions. I mean, look, I was able to write and direct a play.”
This conversation was held just hours before the opening night of “Knocking on the Devil’s Door”. When asked how he was feeling, Sisneros’ voice lightens up for the first time that he’s been speaking. “I’m so excited,” he says. “Terrified but excited.”
And his message to the audience? “Enjoy the show.”
“Knocking on the Devil’s Door” has performances from today through Friday, March 15. Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at theatre.adams.edu or by calling 719-587-8499.
