[NoHo Arts District, CA] – CASA 0101 Theater will present the world premiere of STAND IN THE LIGHT, A Solo Show Festival consisting of 15 plays, starring 14 actors, helmed by seven directors, from August 21 – September 13.
This theatre festival is a celebration of the Latino story in America. Of course, there isn’t just one story or one experience, and Latinos constitute 50 percent of the Los Angeles population. This is millions and millions of people with backgrounds in every Latin American country. I am sure I have no need to remind you that most of this now United States was Mexico and consisted of hundreds of territories belonging to too many Tribes to list. The US border grew up around a population indigenous to this land and Los Angeles is a city of many angels from many other places, but it is also a modern city in an ancient land.
Each part of CASA 0101’s festival has its own special flavor. An evening for focusing on short plays written for this event and told through the eyes of a talented group of writers and actors. This particular rotation B is entitled Brown & Out & Fabulous! And it brings us four unique stories with four fabulous gay stories.
Of course, these plays are bound to be hilarious, given the whimsical and irrepressible nature of the performers. But they are also touching, soulful, meaningful and beautifully written.
Beginning with Vistiendo Santos (Dressing Saints) written and performed by Jesus Yanez, who takes us on a journey far from his present place, caring for his aged and failing mother. In his anecdotes, he travels the world recounting wonders and loves, regrets and intrigues, folly and fate. He is funny and eloquent, mystical and grounded, gorgeous and older. He takes comfort in a life well lived as he continues on his path, wiser and graceful and still as flirty as he’s ever been. It’s a truly wonderful glimpse into the life of a clever and gifted man.
Uninvited, written and performed by Eugene Antonio Negrete, is the story of one man’s 28th birthday party. Usually, a partner taking the time to throw a special birthday party for you would be a good thing, and at first it is. But once he realizes that his lovely caring boyfriend has invited his own super religious parents who he barely speaks to…it’s all over. Being a gay man with parents so religious that they refuse to accept that homosexuality is anything less than a sin must be a little tricky, to say the least. But not everyone is as brittle as we think, and a parent’s love can help them evolve…even when we least expect it. This play is funny, heartfelt and incredibly believable, made so by the wonderful writing and the brilliant performance!
Committed, written by Claudia Duran is performed by Gabriela Pedraza, who manages somehow to blow the roof of the theatre with the power of her performance. A mother, a child, a struggling human with a lot to say and not enough life to say it all in. This is a story I could connect to in so many ways. Expectations can destroy a person, can’t they? But the chance to share this story can also give us all forgiveness for not reaching unrealistically self-set goals. A brilliant piece of theatre on any stage and an absolutely riveting and hilarious performance from Gabriela Pedraza. Bravo!!!
Re-Born Again written by Abel Alvarado. Performed by Julian Armaya is one gay man’s story of near-death experiences so numerous it almost begs belief. And yet, as a person growing up through the 80s, I can relate. It’s a wonder any of us survived, actually. This brilliantly written and again, wonderfully performed story of a man finding his way as a gay man in a sometimes treacherous world is as engaging as it is inspirational. Filled with wild stories, poignant, realistic, and thoughtful lessons. Many of us were sitting in the audience shaking our heads in camaraderie!
All these plays are directed by CASA 0101’s own Corky Dominguez and the Festival is inspired, created and co-produced by the now legendary Josefina López.
CASA 1010 is a magical place made all the more magical by those who continue to walk through its doors. To write, to help, to act, and to create.
The community of Boyle Heights keeps this remarkable place alive and well, and the entire Los Angeles Latino community keeps it funded and full of stories and love. Thankfully!!
This festival is running through September 13 and has four different programs all running on different days!! Miss it at your peril!!
Tickets:
https://casa0101.org/?shows=stand-in-the-light-solo-show-festival