Mixtitlan

This experimental Mexican-American play is a highly ambitious (if uneven) show. Playwright Philip Boehm (who’s translated Kafka) brings a vivid dreamlike/nightmarish quality to his script, which flits between “worlds overlapped in time and space,” from ancient Aztec Mexico to modern corporate America, with dialogue primarily in English, but also in Spanish and Nahuatl. The play is primarily concerned with identity and spirituality, and the playwright has packed in many (perhaps too many) concepts about culture, immigration and assimilation. Director Manuel Pickett, working with a semi-experienced cast (including some college students) conjures vivid visuals, but isn’t always able to corral the diverse elements and themes in an easily comprehensible way. Staged by Teatro Espejo.
California Stage, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays; $12-$20. 1723 25th Street, (916) 451-5822. www.calstage.org. Through October 5.