“Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?”
We all think we know about Frida. But Odalys Nanin’s Frida Stroke of Passion production at Casa 0101 takes you beyond what you know and gives you insight into the last week of Frida’s painful end. When this play was last seen in 2017, it ran for three months. Unfortunately, this production of Macha Theater’s Frida Stroke of Passion at Casa 0101 which runs Friday, Saturdays, and Sundays is all sold out!
Frida Kahlo was a Mexican artist who painted many portraits, self-portraits, and works inspired by the nature and artifacts of Mexico. Born in 1907 with polio, she was destined to live her life in pain after a traffic accident at age eighteen caused lifelong pain and medical problems. She joined the Mexican Communist Party, which led to her meeting her future husband and fellow Mexican artist Diego Rivera. She traveled abroad where her art gained international acclaim and picked up more popularity after her death.
There is a lot to love about this production; the constant drama, the pain of both body and soul, and Frida’s love of life moments — all delivered by a talented cast of twelve.
Nanin embodies the spirit of Frida in a nuanced performance and transformational portrayal. Sandra Valls stands out as famous Mexican singer Chavela Vargas, and one of Frida’s lovers.
As Frida’s life comes to an end so does the play with an unforgettable wake and procession that will stay with you long after the play has ended. Chavela is there to honor Frida with accented her beautifully haunting song as the cast of characters in Frida’s live all pay tribute to an icon in the art world, who inspired a nation by representing their culture, while bold examining the issues of identity, postcolonialism, gender, class, and race in Mexican society.
The small procession of Frida’s funeral attended by all her loves, beginning with her “Toad Face” Diego Rivera (Oscar Basulto). Also joining in are Frida’s other lovers Tina Modotti (Mantha Balourdou); Josephine Baker (Ebony Perry); Maria Felix (Marjorie Burgos); Cuban Teresa Proenza (Kesia Elwin); and her Nurse Judith (Tricia Cruz).
But this is hopefully not the end of Frida Stroke of Passion, it must live on in another production! Make sure you catch that one.