Nuestras Voces will address Latina stereotypes and empowerment in a production of Josefina Lopez's "Confessions of Women from East L.A.," which will be performed tonight and tomorrow night at 8 p.m. in Bentley theater.
Under the direction of Natalie Garza '98 the play offers 90 minutes of comedy and drama in a series of nine monologues performed by four actresses. Patricia Frausto-Rodriguez '97, Micaela Diaz-Sanchez '00, Jasmine Elwick '99 and Lee Kuhn '98 depict the drama and intrigue of nine Latinas who, at first glance, embody the "virgin, mother and whore" stereotypes of Hispanic women.
Each monologue introduces a colorful and complicated Hispanic woman. Lolita, "a straight-out whore" entices and manipulates men to gain empowerment after being raped.
Florinda, who vicariously exists in the world of soap operas, has married and divorced three times.
Yoko Martinez is a Latina trying to get a job in a Japanese restaurant to escape her own culture. Valentina, "a hard-core Chicana activist" protests against Proposition 187.
Other characters also tell their intriguing tales. Tiffany, a 20-year-old Valley girl and Chicana activist, finds inspiration in the paintings of Frida Kahlo. Dona Concepcion reveals two intriguing and secret confessions while in church.
Roxie, a 30-year-old self-defense instructor, attacks a man for asking the time. Victoria Marquez-Bernstein is a 35-year-old physician who advises female high school students to marry Jewish men. Calletana is a street vendor with no education who protests for the right to sell corn curbside.
This play is the second time Garza, a history major, has directed a Nuestras Voces production. Garza chose the script, which a friend recommended, because she liked the contemporary political and social issues interwoven into the stories of the women. The play is only several years old, and the characters are based on real women.
The cast members were passionate when describing their characters and the theme of the play. Diaz-Sanchez, who will make her third Nuestras Voces appearance, said that the script "talks about things that make us feel uncomfortable but we still need to deal with." She calls the play a "rollercoaster ride" which cleverly combines elements of comedy and drama.
Frausto-Rodriguez was quick to argue that the play does not bash males but urges Latina empowerment and breaking down the walls Latinas have with men.
Garza said the cast is "doing well" and has been practicing with acting exercises. She noted the difficulty of doing monologues in which there is "only one person up there to have to capture the whole audience."
All of the cast members praised Garza's directing. "Natalie is very patient and very willing to listen to suggestions," Diaz-Sanchez said. Khun said Garza is "really helpful."
Garza has been involved with Nuestras Voces since her freshman year. Maria Simental '97, previous director of the group, asked Garza to take over this year.
"Confessions of Women from East L.A." lacks extravagant scenery and props. With their small budget, the cast has resorted to their own closets for costumes. However, the color and intensity of the characters makes up for the sparse scenery.
