Mojada

Mojada

The Public Theater

August 11, 2019

Photo courtesy of The Pubilc Theater

Playwright Luis Alfaro adapts the mythological story of Medea in his play Mojada.  His writing is layered in truths that peel back to reveal the deep bonds that unite the characters.  The Public Theater production is viscerally engaging and emotionally jarring.  Director Chay Yew gradually opens the action to draw the audience in so they can fully understand the tragic events.

Benjamin Luis McCracken, Alex Hernandez,
Sabina Zuñiga Varela, & Socorro Santiago
Photo courtesy of The Public Theater

The show opens with Tita (played by Socorro Santiago) looking for the latest gossip and telling of how different it is here than her native country.  She lives with Medea (played by Sabina Zuñiga Varela), who she raised as a young girl in Mexico.  Together they teach Medea’s son Acan (played by Benjamin Luis McCracken) the rituals and customs of their native land.  Medea works from their home as a seamstress while Acan’s father, Jason (played by Alex Hernandez) works construction.  Other than to go in the back yard, Medea does not leave the house.  She shares the brutal story of their border crossing and the experiences that cause her to live in so much fear.  As Jason works tirelessly to create a prosperous life for his son, Medea feels betrayed and grows desperate.

Alex Hernandez, Socorro Santiago,
& Sabina Zuñiga Varela
Photoc courtesy of The Public Theater 

Sabina Zuñiga Varela portrays Medea’s dakness with conviction.  She is heavy hearted and full of sorrow.  As the facts of her experiences are revealed, we see these emotions are so deeply rooted in the soul of her character.  Socorro Santiago and Vanessa Aspillaga inject fast paced and well needed humor as Tita and Luisa.  Their portrayals are honest and realistic, keeping the truth of the story on track.  Benjamin Luis McCracken, Alex Hernandez, and Ada Maris also deliver strong and genuine performances as Acan, Jason, and Pilar.

Mojada has been extended at the Public Theater through August 18.  Luis Alfaro’s writing is prolific.  He brings the Medea story into a different perspective by viewing it through the lense of the present day immigrant experience. 

Domenick Danza

Kingdom Come

Kingdom Come

Roundabout Underground

Harold & Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre / Black Box Theatre

October 9, 2016

Photo Courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Comapany

Kingdom Come is Jenny Rachel Weiner’s new play presently running at the Roundabout Underground.  Ms. Weiner is a skilled playwright with a bold and adventurous voice.  In this play she draws you in with interesting and quirky characters who go to great lengths to conceal their emotional wounds.  She then embarks on a journey of deep self-awareness.  Kip Fagan successfully directs this daring play and sensitive cast with a clear vision and tender touch.

Samantha (played by Carmen M. Herlihy) and Layne (played by Crystal Finn) take a shot at on line dating.  They both meet and fall in love with their ideal mate.  The problem is that their profiles and photos are totally fabricated.  Before they can admit the truth, they have to face it themselves.  What they discover is more profound than they expect.

The cast of Kingdom Come
Photo Courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

Carmen M. Herlihy and Crystal Finn deliver strong and realistic performances as Samantha and Layne.  Both characters are troubled, and suffer from emotional and social disorders.  Their individual stories are very diverse, and they each face their challenges in distinctive manners.  Ms. Weiner’s conception of these two characters is unique, and their juxtaposition is enlightening.  Her handling of the plunge into their secret selves is concise and astounding.  Layne, Ms. Finn’s character, opens up and transcends, while Samantha, Ms. Herlihy’s character, has a lot more to overcome and reverts to her weaknesses.  These two actors share moments together that are touching, true, and unexpected. 

Actors Socorro Santiago, Alex Hernandez, and Stephanie Styles bring high energy, humor and charm to their roles.  Set designer Arnulfo Maldonado and lighting designer Thom Weaver create an expansive and realistic playing area in the small, intimate black box space.  Darrel Maloney designs projections that not only illustrate the virtual relationship of the characters, but masterfully reveals their individual perception of the experience.

Playwright Jenny Rachel Weiner
Photo courtesy of
Roundabout Theatre Company

Roundabout Theatre Company does outstanding and honorable work in their underground black box.  More important than their high production values, which I have come to expect from them, is their commitment to developing the voice of the upcoming playwright.  Kingdom Come offers a glimpse into the fact that our on line selves and virtual personas do connect to real people, and can have a deep and meaningful effect on ourselves and those with whom we engage.  This is a very powerful and important message, experienced and understood in a most appropriate venue. 

Kingdom Come runs through December 18.  The black box has open seating and tickets are a very affordable $25. 

Domenick Danza