Oscar Cásares, an acclaimed novelist from the Rio Grande Valley, wanted to share his experience of growing up on the border with his 10-year-old daughter, Elena. To tell this story, Cásares and photographer Joel Salcido traveled the length of the Rio Grande, from El Paso and Juarez to Brownsville and Matamoros to reveal his roots and the subtle and profound details of those who live there.

Originally appearing in Texas Monthly, those words and images are now brought to life in a world premiere stage production with music by hometown hero Carrie Rodriguez and her band, narrated by Cásares alongside Salcido’s stirring images. Together, these artists illuminate the often-overlooked stories of generations of families at the edge of our country.