Opening its 2016 – 2107 season, Grossmont College’s Stagehouse Theatre had an unbelievable opening night. Taking on the poetic tragedy of legendary Spanish poet Federica García Lorca’s “Bodas de sangre,” the Stagehouse troupe attested that great things happen in the smallest of places.
Opening its 2016 – 2107 season, Grossmont College’s Stagehouse Theatre had an unbelievable opening night. Taking on the poetic tragedy of legendary Spanish poet Federica García Lorca’s “Bodas de sangre,” the Stagehouse troupe attested that great things happen in the smallest of places.
“Blood Wedding” proved to be stark look into a time when family bloodlines ruled, and disputes between them settled many times to the death. Centering around a young woman, arranged to be married, but still in love with a past lover, Lorca’s views on violence, women and the laws of man in his time were clearly evident. And his poetry, stunningly beautiful and captivating, whether in Spanish or English.
In several parts of the play, simply a character and prose told entire scenes with otherworldly beauty. Although some of the poetry might have been lost in translation from Spanish to English, it was not lost in the play. With one-third of the play in Spanish, translations were lit in the background, becoming part of the stage and mood. These poetic sonnets throughout the play add wonders to this beautifully written play. Words of the actors rippled rhythmical lines in many different styles, which moved this intriguing story forward. The transitions between reality and unearthly scenes, was a poem in itself.
Music and choreography formed the atmosphere of rural Spain in the early nineteen hundreds. From the first scene, choreographer Mariel Shaw captured the tension, passion and vindictiveness of this period of time. Transitions between scenes told a story through dance and song. Her choreography, point on dancing and her poetic Spanish as the Moon, her performance is to be noted.
But she did not stand alone with a night full of wonderful performances in this tragic, Latino Shakespearean-like drama. Vanessa Duron (Mother) of her son to be wed stood ground center stage, taking on the heartbreaks of a mother broken inside and the strength of a woman, proud of her family name and place in society. Isai Luna (Groom) and the first lover Daniel Ramos (Leonardo) paired well as dueling lovers. Bride, played by Jillian Jones was convincingly a woman torn between desire and duty. Amanda O’Rourke (Death) nailed it.
“Blood Wedding” is complex, cultural and fiercely done. It is playing at the Stagehouse Theatre through Oct. 15.
“Blue” by Jerry Hager will play Oct. 28-29. This is a play about bullying, great for an entire family and will be travelling to local schools. This yearly traveling show promotes education, entertainment and the importance of art in schools.
A yearly series, “Inside the Actor’s Process: Ensemble” opens Feb. 3.
Some calling this season, “The Season of Women” this is the first of several performances coming up.
“These Shining Lives” opens Dec. 1. “A Piece of My Heart” in March, “The Vagina Monologues” in April and the “Taming of the Shrew” in May should prove to be an entertaining season. For ticket information visit www.grossmont.edu/campus-life/arts-culture/theater-arts2106-2017-season.
“Blood Wedding” was an impressive beginning.
