PicksInSix Review: ALMA American Blues Theater
Elusive ‘American Dream’ in Real Time.
PicksInSix® Review | Guest Contributor | Kaitlyn Linsner
From start to finish, the moving world premiere of “Alma,” commands the intimate stage at the Rivendell Theatre in Edgewater. Presented by American Blues Theater in collaboration with the Center Theatre Group based in Los Angeles and the Chicago Latino Theater Alliance as part of the Destinos, the 5th Chicago International Latino Theater Festival, the play poses important questions and searing reflections on immigration, belonging, struggle, sacrifice, family and generational differences.
Playwright Benjamin Benne wrote the tightly woven seventy-minute drama in the time leading up to the 2016 election. Donald Trump’s violent anti-immigration and anti-Mexican rhetoric led Benne to deeply reflect on his own family’s immigration story. His mother’s side emigrated to the U.S. from Guatemala. Benne then grew up a first-generation U.S. citizen in Hacienda Heights, California, which borders the city of La Puente, California where the play is set. California is, of course, a fitting backdrop for Benne’s powerful and enduring commentary on ongoing settler colonialism because that land used to belong to Mexico.
“Alma” unfolds in real time and features two strong characters who give riveting performances—Alma (Jazmín Corona), an undocumented immigrant and fiercely devoted mom working unlivable-wage jobs, and her American-born daughter, Angel (Bryanna Ciera Colón). We meet them on the eve of Angel’s SAT and quickly learn of some mounting tension in the household related to Angel’s collegiate plans, the scary uncertainty of Alma’s path to citizenship and the looming Donald Trump presidency. Angel has a sharp wit and hesitant eagerness mellowed out by her stark sense of realism; a realism that challenges Alma’s very different opinions about Angel’s future and the coveted yet absolutely elusive “American Dream.” These challenges are at the core of the play’s beautiful complexity. You have two very close family members trying to climb out of survival to the oasis of a better life (all in the face of mounting oppression, no less). But, who really knows best? Mom who crossed the border 17 years ago holding steadfast to her ideals? Or her first-generation daughter disillusioned and fed up with her mom’s unreasonable expectations?
“Alma” beckons you to examine and empathize with both. Follow along as they repeatedly list each year of Angel’s birthday wishes (from carne asada every day to a house with air conditioning). Listen as they navigate switching between Spanish and English. Feel as they sing, cry and scream together. And watch them truly treasure each other through it all. It’s remarkable.
Director Ana Velazquez does a phenomenal job placing the audience in real time with Alma and Angel to experience this whirlwind of emotions within the tiny one-bedroom apartment set. The Rivendell’s small space blurs the lines between audience and actors. By nearly eliminating that line, so to speak, the setup creates a space for a larger dialogue on the purpose and implementation of borders as barriers between people, places, expressions and identities.
Praise must also be given to the production team who executed a seamless show., especially Rachel West’s lighting design that creates magical images at pinnacle moments on Tara A. Houston’s detailed urban set. They combine to illuminate the multi-layered performances of Corona and Colón, who both bring this important not-to-be-missed play to life with heart and grit.
GUEST CONTRIBUTOR | KAITLYN LINSNER is a Chicago-based attorney practicing construction and surety law.
PHOTO CREDIT|Jenn Udoni
American Blues Theater
presents
World Premiere
ALMA
through October 22
Rivendell Theater Ensemble
5779 N. Ridge Ave.
WEBSITE
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