[ssba]
Dancing In My Cockroach Killers
Reviewed by Vanessa Cate
Pregones + Puerto Rican Traveling Theater at LATC
Through Nov. 8
RECOMMENDED :
A part of LATC’s Encuentro 2014 National Theater Festival celebrating Latino/a theater, Dancing in my Cockroach Killers, from New York’s Pregones Theater Company, brings to life selected works by vivacious poet and playwright, Magdalena Gómez. With a “killer” ensemble, and infused with music that will find its way into your head and your hips – this is a work not to be missed, while you have the chance.
Rosalba Rolón not only directs but masterfully engages us in a symphony of words, moving us through perfect transitions until we cannot resist clapping and dancing along. And that is part of the point -– we are invited to understand that the movement in all of us is not something to be ashamed of, but to celebrate.
Musical Director Desmar Guevara has composed a luscious score that binds the performance. He performs on stage with musicians Nicky Laboy and Bryan Vargas. Meanwhile the actors (a beautiful ensemble including Sol Crespo, Shadia Fairuz, Jesús Martinez, Omar Pérez, Elise Santora, and Rocky Vega) are at once a Greek Chorus, the poetry, the poet, and a group of dynamic, passionate and individuals in sync. Choreographer Antonio Vargas creates a beautiful and detailed context for the poet’s words, and an organic set of gorgeous stage pictures. Harry Nadal’s costume design is bright and fun. Dans Maree Sheehan’s lighting design and Pregones Theater’s scenic design is simple and effective.
Spanning the topics of imperfection, desire, identity, coming to terms with our past, culture, revolution, and more, the show is beautiful to watch and listen to. Even as the actors speak and sing, their words are projected onto the walls, not only providing at-times necessary translation, but also emphasizing the meaning of the words as they linger even in the silence. It also has laugh out loud moments of relatability. Joyful, affecting and, most of all, liberating, the show is a celebration of individuality and everything that makes it up.
My two gripes are as follows: First, the words are at times difficult to hear and understand over the music. And second, there just isn’t enough time to see this beautiful production before it closes. So put on your cockroach killers (i.e shoes, for those not in-the-know), and make it a priority to see this show!
Pregones + Puerto Rican Traveling Theater at LATC, 514 S. Spring St., Dwntwn.; Fri., Nov. 7, 8 p.m., Sat., Nov. 8, 2 p.m.; through Nov. 8. (213) 489-0994, www.thelatc.org
