[NoHo Arts District, CA] – A NoHo Arts theatre review of CASA 0101 Theater’s world premiere of MUJERES on the Verge (WOMEN ON THE VERGE), four original one-act plays by four bold Chicana playwrights in celebration of Women’s “HER”story Month from February 28 – March 23.
Of course, the wonderful CASA 0101 would be all over the Women’s History Month! Founding Artistic Director Josefina López has become something of a feminist icon in the theatre and film industry. Her Sundance award-winning film Real Women Have Curves is about to be a huge Broadway hit. However, her heart will always remain in Boyle Heights at CASA 0101 with her playwrights, directors, and actors, who create consistently funny, relevant and moving work.
MUJERES on the Verge is another brilliant lineup of short plays written, performed and produced by members of CASA 0101. Four plays, all as poignant and beautifully written as the next.
Former Pachucas revive an old rivalry in Pleito. Best friends sweat through menopause and tough choices in The Fan Club. A woman’s dreams of writing are sidelined by caregiving in La Noche de Anoche. A holiday gathering unravels a lifetime of addiction in La Mano de Dios.
Each play cleverly creates its own unique universe filled with characters we can all relate to and identify with. Mothers, sisters, daughters, friends and bad boyfriends. All fully fleshed, comical and brilliantly acted. I couldn’t pick a favorite, although I tried. Let’s just say these little worlds of love and family, some serious and some not, are a pleasure to see.
However, each of the MUJERES on the Verge plays reminds us of our similarities, our community, and our place in the world. The writing is honest, and even when it’s brutal, there’s a hopefulness and a positivity that never seems out of place.
The writers are all fluent in theatre. They take the stories and make them fit the stage. The characters are never irrelevant, the dialogue always real. Many of these writers and performers have been a part of CASA for years and years, learning their craft, becoming more and more the artists they yearn to be. CASA 0101 is a hotbed of talent and every time I see a show it always surprises and entertains while it also shares important struggles and necessary heartache.
CASA 0101 has created a universe of artists. In turn, they will share their craft and encourage new talents and on and on it hopefully will always go. Particularly, what’s wonderful about CASA is that they teach and guide, but they also ‘do.’ These writers make plays, the actors perform and the directors have stories to stage. The best way to learn is to do it. And under the tutelage and endless support of Josefina López and Emmanuel Deleage, all these wonderful writers and performers get to do exactly what they love. Therefore, we are fortunate enough to sit in the lovely CASA 0101 theatre and watch them grow.
When:
February 28 – March 23
Friday and Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 3 PM
Where:
CASA 0101 Theater
2102 E 1st St Los Angeles, CA 90033
Tickets:
MUJERES on the Verge Cast
Raquel Salinas, Carmelita Maldonado, Alejandra Flores, Ariana Raygoza, Gisel Murillo, Alejandro Bravo, Myrna Velasco, Carmelita Maldonaldo, Tricia Cruz, Saul Rodriguez, Jasia Topete, Alexandra Flores Tricia Cruz, Tina D’Marco.
The Writers
Lindsey Haley, Mariana Herrera, Maria G. Martinez, Raquel Salinas
The Directors
Vilma Villela, Karla Ojeda, Jacquline Guido, Olivia Chumacero
The MUJERES on the Verge Team
Producer – Emmanuel Deleage
Stage Manager/Sound Designer – Angelica Ornelas
Production Coordinator – Lorena M. Ortega
Assistant Stage Manager – Doreen Sanchez
Lighting Designer – Alejandro Parra
Scenic Designer/Prop Master- Audrey Szot
Technical Director – Miguel Delgado
Costume Designer – Mari Mercado
Graphic Designer/Social Media – Itzel Ocampo
Publicist – Steve Moyer Public Relations
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To see what shows are playing, check out our theatre guide>>