[NoHo Arts District, CA] – A NoHo Arts theatre review of Casa 0101’s world premiere of STAND IN THE LIGHT, A Solo Show Festival running through September 13.
Casa 0101 does it again with a groundbreaking solo show festival in Boyle Heights. Stand in the Light consists of 15 plays, 14 actors, seven directors, and 13 writers presented for a four-week run.
“Aquí Estamos y No Nos Vamos” is a powerful and entertaining show with plenty of culture and pathos. I have been a big fan of Casa 0101 for over a decade, and the shows have all been wonderful to experience. But this time I was privileged to be invited to see “Aquí Estamos y No Nos Vamos,” (Here We Are and We Won’t Leave) and hear it in Spanish. For me, this was a first from Casa 0101. This collection of five distinct solo shows was delightful in every way, with plenty of food for thought.
El Lava Platos (El Dishwasher)
A recent immigrant dishwasher tells us his story of past violence in his new world. But eventually, the past finds him. This show was written and performed by the inexhaustible Rogelio Hernandez with deft direction by Joaquin Palafox. Hernandez plays the Dishwasher with an authentic intensity that you would swear you either know a friend who has a friend just like this character or a distant relative that you met once. Bravo, Señor Dishwasher.
Cascarones Vacíos (Empty Eggshells)
A young professional woman comes to a crossroads of career, motherhood, and her self-worth as she deals with a possible divorce and her ever-shrinking fertility window. This show was written and performed by Andrea Ramirez-Martinez and directed by Vilma Villela. Andrea Ramirez-Martinez plays this millennial Latina with a heartbreaking realism that demands the audience’s full attention. Her dilemma is palatable and relatable to a woman who must be so many things for so many people. A well-paced direction keeps the audience aware of the circumstances of our heroine.
Madre Mia (My Good Grief)
A parent’s worst nightmare is the theme of this story. A son’s passing and the mother who grieves him unapologetically and with no judgment. This show was written and performed by Deborah Cortez and directed by Vilma Villela. Cortez plays this character with honesty. She draws us in with her pain and places us in her shoes. Her grief grips us and pulls us along the journey. Much credit must also be given to Vilma Villela’s simple and delicate direction. The attention to specificity is evident in a wonderful actor and an equally talented director.
El Brillo de Mis Ojos (The Sparkle in My Eyes)
A young and energetic tennis player takes us on her journey towards her dream of being a professional tennis player. This show was written and performed by Luciana Di Laura and directed by Rogelio Hernandez Nieto. Di Laura is a comic superstar as the aspiring number one tennis player in the world. Her delivery and timing were impeccable and most enjoyable. The set was decorated with a ball basket, several dozen tennis balls, and a net to hit against. I must confess they pulled it off with no distraction to the character hitting the ball. That is called great directing.
Venimos Aquí a Trabajar (We Came Here to Work)
A street vendor tells of her struggles and arrest and shows us the courage it takes to stand tall and proud. This show was performed by the incredibly talented Miriam Peniche and written by the brilliant playwright Josephina Lopez. This dream team of sublime writing by Lopez and the spot-on characterisation by Peniche brought this show to life. We know this woman and her words ring true for so many who don’t have a voice. Directed by the incomparable April Ibarra, she brings a sense of spontaneity to this show that some members of the audience seemed to want to buy the ‘elotes’ for sale.
Five magical stories brought to life in a language that is not heard enough in any neighbourhood. I was entertained, moved, inspired, and delighted to have been a witness to this marvellous evening. Thank you, Casa 0101.
Tickets:
https://nohoartsdistrict.com/noho-theatres/stand-in-the-light-a-solo-show-festival