Wednesday, September 26, 2001

A tale of two Cultures
Review by Bethany McCormack

“La Llorona” is a play with a message. It’s compelling, thought provoking, and well-acted, but there is no escaping the message.

Set in Mexico City in the early 1990s, “La Llorona” illustrates the destruction of Mexican culture by America in a story of two couples: one from Mexico, the other from America.

Sprcial to the Skiff Jorge Castaneda and Nikki Gonzales rehearse for “La Llorona” which premiers Wednesday night at the Hays Theatre in the Walsh Center for Performing Arts.

This is not the type of play you watch to be dazzled by the costumes and scenery, or amused by witty one-liners. This is the type of play where you focus on the story and the characters.

The set is simple and remains the same throughout the play. A black drape is the background, with two beds set on platforms to represent bedrooms. The set creates the feel of a home in Mexico without being distracting.

The characters in “La Llorona” are all interesting contrasts. Carlos (Jorge Castaneda) and his wife Irma (Nikki Gonzales) are the struggling young Mexican couple. They represent Mexico and the struggles of the country.

The American couple represents American culture and they are complete opposites of Carlos and Irma. The two are rich, arrogant and self-absorbed.

Liz (Shannon Atkinson) is the subservient preppy wife in her capri pants and sweater set. Jeffrey (Travis Willingham), never without his powersuit and cellphone, is the domineering husband focused on few things besides money and work.

Carlos and Irma, because of their financial troubles, are forced to rent their home to Liz and Jeffrey and work as their servants. Thus begins the tension.

Enter La Llorona, which is the Spanish word for the weeping woman.

In a long off-white peasant’s dress, La Llorona (Irene Bermudez) does not speak, but rather sings or hums as she attempts to warn, first Carlos, and then Liz of imminent trouble.

She is symbolic of Mexican culture and adds to the atmosphere of impending doom. La Llorona is a haunting character and her song is chilling.

As the story unfolds, the nature of each character emerges. Carlos emerges as a troubled man, torn between his principles and the welfare of his family. Irma is the traditional wife, holding onto her religion and tradition in times of conflict. Jeffrey comes off as a jerk who is arrogant and completely self-focused. Liz emerges as a caring person, as long as it benefits her and makes her feel good.

The story is creative, yet not complicated. The characters are interesting and it is easy understand the message they represent.

“La Llorona” ends with a twist that is disturbing yet inevitable. The entire play leads up to this conclusion, yet it is still a surprise. It signifies the message of the play, the loss of Mexican culture.

“La Llorona,” was skillfully written by student Kathleen Anderson Milne. The acting and directing was also well done. It was directed by Be Boyd and is playing today until Sunday in the Hays Theatre in the Walsh Center for Performing Arts.