Paul Cascante, Daniel Lavid, Marilyn Sanabria, Odalys Nanin, Joseph Bixler, Campbell de Silva, Francisco Medina, Ebony Perry and Nancy de Los Santos.
The artist Frida Kahlo lived an intense political and artistic life in her beloved Mexico. They have been many books written about her and her paintings, including movies and documentaries, all interesting to read and/or watch.
Locally we have a very fun play, Frida: Stroke Of Passion running at the very cozy and historical Macha Theatre in West Hollywood, CA. The play is written and directed by award-winning playwright, Odalys Nanin.
The play focuses on the hidden bi-sexual affairs between Frida Kahlo and her long list of famous female lovers. They include Mariachi singer Chavela Vargas, Mexican film star Maria Felix, cabaret singers and dancer Josephine Baker and Tina Modotti who was a famous model and photographer. The play also addresses an in-depth look at her relationships with her husband Diego, the ghost of Leon Trotsky and seemingly the mysterious cover-up of her suspicious death.
Frida: Stroke of Passion at Macha Theatre.
Odalys Nanin believes Kahlo committed suicide, although her certificates states pulmonary embolism, Diego concealed her real cause of death. The play shows a vulnerable unique side of Frida who has since become the most famous female painter of all time, although she suffered from physical ailments, she was a master of disguise and presented herself as a strong healthy virile woman. The play portrays an intriguing in-depth look into the last week of her fearless and spirited life. A seducer to the end, she herself said, “the only reason I go on living is to paint and to love.”
A nice evening at the theatre and great to see old friends.
Nanin stars as Frida and looks like she’s having a ball doing it. She’s surrounded by a talented cast that includes: Campbell de Silva (Diego Rivera), Marisa Lopez (Chavela Vargas/Maria Felix), Tricia Cruz (Nurse Judith), Daniel Lavid (Judas), Paul Cascante (Leon Trotsky), Marilyn Sanabria (Tina Modotti/Teresa Proenza), Joseph Bixler (Little Diego), Ebony Perry (Josephine Baker), Francisco Medina (Musician/Manolo), and co-director Nancy de Los Santos.
I caught the play a week ago, I enjoyed it, it was wonderful to watch live theatre among friends and strangers—a nice evening out.
Frida: Stroke Of Passion runs till October 1.
•WE NEED TO SUPPORT OUR SMALL THEATRES. YOU’LL FIND INTERESTING PLAYS/STORIES and ACTING. Photos: ©2017 Angela María Ortíz S.
