Ni Mi Madre
Rattlestick Playwrights Theater
September 3, 2021 

Photo courtesy of Rattlestick Playwrights Theater

Arturo Luís Soria exposes his soul in his one person play, Ni Mi Madre.  He has written a brutally honest piece of theatre, sharing deeply personal moments from the life of his mother.  It is a journey of survival, in which she never looks back.  It is truthful, funny, and, at times, shocking. 

Arturo enters the stage bare chested, walking in a ritualistic manner.  He is garbed in flowing white and carrying a basket of fruit with candles.  He pauses, flips his long, dark hair, and a Cher song begins to play.  He puts down the basket, turns the flowing white garment into an off the shoulder party dress, dances enthusiastically, and sings all the wrong lyrics.  He is Cher, Madonna, and Meryl Streep all rolled into one.  He is his mother, Elizabeth, a Brazilian born woman who holds nothing back.  She tells of her sexuality, her three marriage, and how she raised her five children, focusing especially her son Arturo.  How he challenged her patience.  How she firmly disciplined him.  How she pushed him to achieve and settle for nothing less than the best in everything he attempted.  She reveals how her mother emotionally abandoned her and sent her away.  These hurtful images return to her at unexpected moments.  She justifiably prides herself on never giving up on her children, as her mother did her.  

Arturo Luís Soria
Photo courtesy of Rattlestick Playwrights Theater

The ending reverts back to the ritualistic feeling of Arturo’s initial entrance.  He acknowledges what
was passed down from generations of strong, determined women.  He forgives.  He strives to let’s go, to move on without the need to continually look back. 

Arturo Luís Soria embodies the character of his mother in an energized and vulnerable performance.  She fully comes to life.  As the audience gets to know the many layers of her personality, we understand her harshness.  We respect her strength.  We value her determination. 

Director Danilo Gambini creates strong, distinct moments in this continuous narrative that give Arturo the opportunity to soar in the character of his mother and share this very personal story. 

Ni Mi Madre is playing at Rattlestick Playwrights Theater through September 19. 

Domenick Danza