Pedacitos: Stories in the path of healing Watsonville playwright and author Cristal González-Ávila reflects on unpacking life’s weighty truths

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By Isaac González-Díaz

In “Pedacitos/Little Pieces,” a compilation of bilingual stories and poems, actor Cristal González-Ávila forms a mosaic of her life, tracing her path from childhood innocence to the wisdom of womanhood.

During a recent presentation of her book at El Teatro Campesino in San Juan Bautista, Cristal shared those stories reflecting victories and challenges of her upbringing, navigating topics such as poverty, racism, and the impact of abuse in a journey to find beauty in breaking, healing and becoming whole again. 

“The main message is to keep fighting for the better version of ourselves, and continue to tell our stories because that’s what unifies us: It is the collective storytelling. I share myself with you, I hope it resonates with you, and I see you and you see me and there is a collectiveness that doesn’t go away, “ González-Ávila told the audience.

González-Ávila was born and raised in Watsonville, surrounded by fields of strawberries and apple orchards, emblematic agricultural work that shaped her family’s livelihood. Her storytelling is deeply rooted in honoring her ancestors and knowing where she comes from and where she is going.

Reflecting on her reasons for writing the book, she said, “Watsonville had a lot to do with it. I think also timing, I’m a mother of two children and they are growing and blooming and I want to make sure I show up for them and that is through my heart.”  

“I could speak to them about these things that are still very relevant and show them moments of courage that we will need to have as young women and hopefully not have to experience.” 

González-Ávila has authored several plays, including “La Cortina de la Lechuga (The Lettuce Curtain),” and “Entre Piernas (Between Legs).” “Pedacitos/Little Pieces” is her first book, and it was released during a special two-day event on June 27 and 28.  Accompanied by Salinas singer-songwriter Flaco El Jandro, González-Ávila used songs such as “Ramito de Violetas” from Mi Banda el Mexicano and “I Will Survive” from Gloria Glaynor to bring the stories to life.

The audience clapped, laughed and discreetly wiped away tears, engaged with stories such as Violetta, Eva, Déjame Volar, Feliz, Ruega por Nosotros, and Pedacitos. The author said that one is her favorite story because it finally put her on a path to understanding her mother.

“It is asking almost for forgiveness because I couldn’t see her magnitude growing up. But as I get older, I realized that she was everything and needed her ability to dream beyond the limitation to see me for what I was — and that was huge for me,” González-Ávila said.

Each story in the book invites the reader to feel, and to find light in the cracks.

“I think that’s why we grow when we pause, we reflect, and we imagine all these possibilities or all these versions of us. That’s what’s part of what I love  (about) doing theater so much — it gives you an opportunity to kind of dive into these big feelings and do so something within you get to unpack,” she said. “And I think that’s what ‘Pedacitos’ is all about: I’m done carrying a heavy backpack, I’m going to unpack it.” 

González-Ávila invites the storyteller within each person to write from a place that they know: The characters, the story and the development will grow organically.

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