Odalys Nanin and Gisel Murillo (Photo credit: Carmelita Maldonado)
Reviewed by Julyza Commodore
Casa 0101 Theater
Closed
Born on July 6th, 1907 in Coyoacán, Mexican painter Frida Kahlo was renowned not only for her self-portraits, but also her vibrant style of work that celebrated her culture. Odalys Nanin’s Frida – Stroke of Passion: The Immersive experience takes looks at her life with less focus being on her paintings and career, and more into her personal life. Upon entering the theater, the audience is engulfed in the work of immersive designer Anthony Storniolo: images of nature as well as Kahlo’s work.
The play is seet on July 6th, 1954, Kahlo’s 47th birthday, and also her last week of life. Mostly bedridden due to her amputated leg and decreasing health, it’s as if Kahlo (Nanin) is in a fever dream as she reflects on her past lovers, inspirations, and life as a whole. The piece was written, created, produced and directed by Nanin (with co-direction by Carmelita Maldonado).
During an impromptu post-performance Q&A, she told the audience that her idea of writing the play was inspired by not just Kahlo, but what felt like a “full circle moment” with Kahlo’s birthday being on July 6th and her date of death being just a week later on July 13th. Although it is a play about Kahlo’s life, Nanin also clarified during the Q&A that, although she cannot prove it, she believes that Kahlo died by suicide (an assertion supported by many others, because of the way details of her death were suppressed.)
We see characters come and go as we get a glimpse into why she was inspired by them. One of them includes Josephine Baker (Swisyzinna) who comes in and does what is often referred to as Josephine’s most famous dance, “Danse Sauvage” also known as the “Banana dance.” If you’re like me, you’ll be shocked to even know that there were rumors of a romantic relationship between the two.
Another love affair/inspiration of Kahlo’s is the one with singer Chavela Vargas (Gia Munday). What this play definitely put on display was what Kahlo drew inspiration from. She even says early on, “Without love, there is no point in living.” Oscar Bstulo portrays her husband, Diego Rivera, with her until the very end. Although her last week of life seemed tormented, it was pleasing to see how Nanin, Maldonado and the entire cast also brought the joy and lightheartedness where they could. With various relationships being introduced within the span of only 80 minutes, there is a lot to take in, however it can be an enjoyable ride that inspires one to learn more about Kahlo.
Macha Theatre/Filmworks, CASA 0101, 2102 E. First St., Boyle Heights. Closed.
