CITY ARTS : Chicano Faust

Cornerstone Theater has put an urban spin on the classic legend of Faust. This time, the aging philosopher who sells his soul to the devil is portrayed by a Chicano family of seven from Watts.

“What’s fun about the play is that it’s about a very real family dealing with real issues in Watts, presented in a fantastical way,” said Bernardo Solano, who wrote “Los Faustinos,” and directed the 31-member cast with Julliette Carrillo.

Charged with issues of spirituality and cultural identity, the play traces the results of the Faustino clan’s ill-considered pacts with Mephisto, the devil.

“Each family member is associated with one of the seven deadly sins,” Solano said. Each exchanges his or her eternal soul for a personalized piece of heaven on Earth, such as a Hollywood career, a romance or a big-screen TV.

Nearly a third of the play, performed with a largely local cast at San Miguel parish hall, is done in Spanish. Local resident Robert Ceja composed the original score.

*

Show times: Today at 2 p.m., each Saturday and Sunday until Dec. 18; Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. Dec. 10 performance will be interpreted for hearing-impaired. Admission: “Pay what you can.” (213) 567-8634 or (310) 449-1700.