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Electricidad
Jul. 2nd, 2004 08:32 pmI saw this play by Luis Alfaro last night at the Goodman. What a knockout! Loosely based on Sophocles' Electra, it's set in the barrio, on the edge of the California desert, in a barren landscape of gang wars and addictions. Electricidad's father, Agosto, a former gang leader turned heroin addict, has been killed, and she blames her mother, Clemencia. Electricidad has stolen her father's body, and chained herself to it in the front yard of the house, thirsting for revenge. Performed in Spanglish, the play delves into cholo culture in a dark, yet often humorous, way. The Greek chorus comprises four neighbors, who comment on the action while sweeping.
The cast is excellent. Cecilia Suárez, who plays Electricidad, is incredibly intense. She is on stage the entire time, 90 minutes with no intermission, in a play that builds and builds. I can't even imagine how drained she must be when it's over.
Most of the cast are members of Teatro Vista, a Latino theatre company in Chicago. Their artistic director, whose day job is in my office, was also in the play. After last night's performance, I went out for a drink with Eddie and a couple of other folks associated with the play, and we had some good talk.
The cast is excellent. Cecilia Suárez, who plays Electricidad, is incredibly intense. She is on stage the entire time, 90 minutes with no intermission, in a play that builds and builds. I can't even imagine how drained she must be when it's over.
Most of the cast are members of Teatro Vista, a Latino theatre company in Chicago. Their artistic director, whose day job is in my office, was also in the play. After last night's performance, I went out for a drink with Eddie and a couple of other folks associated with the play, and we had some good talk.
