Lydie M. Denier and Odalys Nanin (Photo by Anielka Gallo)
Lydie M. Denier and Odalys Nanin (Photo by Anielka Gallo)

Garbo’s Cuban Lover

Reviewed by Julyza Commodore
MACHA Theatre Co.
Through February 25

RECOMMENDED

MACHA Theatre Co. presents Garbo’s Cuban Lover, an imagining of Greta Garbo’s rumored romantic relationship with Mercedes de Acosta. Written by Odalys Nanin and co-directed by Nanin (also starring as de Acosta) and Angela Nicholas, the play’s foundation is their relationship. However, it turns out to be so much more than just that. Set during Hollywood’s golden age of the 1960s, the play contains the dual realities of a wonderful time for American cinema classics, while also being not a great time for women being in same sex relationships, thanks to an abundance of judgment and hypocrisy.

The performances are very strong with exuberant energy. From the top of the show, we are introduced to Isadora Duncan (Kesia Elwin) a figment of de Acosta’s imagination. Through her graceful and fluid movements, she flutters through and keeps the story moving forward as it is imagined by de Acosta who is now at the end of her life. Nanin’s portrayal of de Acosta is done honestly and with the utmost amount of passion that is seen not only through her love for Garbo, but also her love for writing and wanting to be the best at her craft. Known to be a mystery of sorts, Garbo is portrayed by Lydie M. Denier as a tad bit cold and introverted; Denier pulls this off but still remains somewhat likeable due to the humor that is written so well into the script.

Although Greta Garbo’s contributions to the film industry are important as she is regarded to be one of the greatest American actresses, what the play does really well is also showing just how important Mercedes de Acosta (Odalys Nanin) was as a screenwriter and playwright who has been largely forgotten. Why are the contributions of women-of-color pushed to the side and forgotten so often? That may not be a question that will ever be answered outright. What goes without questioning though is that feminine love is what drives the story of this imagined remembrance, and there is an importance to having that love be at its center.

CASA 0101 Theater, 2102 E. 1st St., Boyle Heights; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm; Sun., 5 pm; through Feb. 25. (323) 263-7684 or casa0101.org. Running time: 90 minutes with no intermission.