A magical production where the world above and the world below come together to create a space filled with dance and comedy, and where one woman finds the strength to face her fears. Rating
Good
In the article Latin American Folklore and the Folktale, author Genevieve Barlow says, “Latin American Folktales offer a tapestry of folklore woven long ago by the Indian and post-Columbian inhabitants of Mexico and the other Latin American countries.” Folklorica takes one part of this artisan Latina tapestry and creates the story of Mira Gonzales (Nicole Schretlen Montes), a young factory worker. While attempting to see the stars one evening she meets Richard Malus (Solal Vergara Constantini) who charms her with his knowledge of the stars and constellations. But behind Richard’s seemingly appealing nature lies someone much more sinister, and when Mira discovers that she is pregnant she must venture into an unknown reality to find the strength within herself to respond to her circumstances.
Folklorica explores themes of classism, feminism, and environmentalism alongside ideas of greed, self-worth and finding beauty amidst tyranny. All are blended well into a story that has some parts set in a world of realism and other areas set in a world of surrealism and expressionism.
The set is quite minimal with the only props being a chair and a table that have various magical properties at certain times. However, when Mira and her fellow friends and employees, Carmen Montes (Micaela Prada), Sarafina Amador (Angee Sanchez Garcia), Gloria (Grecia Castillo De La Paz) and Isabella De La Cruz (Sandra Vergara) are working in the factory there are no props on the stage, and their world is emptier. The actresses portray the rough, long and unfair working conditions endured by a female immigrant workforce well enough that the audience understands the plight of the women. But it is the lighting which really sets the mood of the production. Outside of the factory, this ranges from beautiful combinations of blue, red, and purple which create a magical and ethereal atmosphere, in contrast to the harsh lighting of within the demanding workplace.
The actresses tell Mira’s story through a script woven with a mix of Spanish and English, which is delivered nicely, but told in a format that is reminiscent of melodramatic Telenovela dramas. The story is fairly basic, with not much to make it particularly distinctive. However, there are two short instances in the show where beautiful Folklórico dance are used to tell parts of the tale, and it would be great to see more of this because the dancing is what really makes Folklorica stand out. At one point Mira performs a solo dance, and without a single word her suffering becomes more than just a melodramatic story: it is through Mira’s dancing that she finds a strength within herself to face her fears and reclaim ownership of her self-worth.
While there are certain areas of this play which are quite dark and should be taken into account upon seeing the production, it is nonetheless a cosy evening out. With a storyline that is not overly complicated but which covers important themes, and some excellent dancing, Folklorica may just be the right play for you.
Written and Directed by Jade Alvara
Musical Directors: Jay Lane, Al Marshall, & JVENENO
Costume Design by Kaia Strange
Choreography by Alondra Valeria Galvan
Lighting Design by Charlotte D’Angelo
Presented by Climate Action Productions & Drayton Arms Theatre
Folklorica plays at Drayton Arms Theatre until Saturday 20 September.
