By Eric George Tauber
SAN DIEGO — If you’ve been around the Jewish community of San Diego, then you know that there’s more to the menu than matzoh balls and gefilte fish. There are tacos and salsa from a thriving Latino-Jewish community that touches both sides of the border. Many of them came to the Lyceum to see Teatro Punto y Coma’s “Gridlock” as part of the ongoing 2016 Jewish Arts Festival.
And what a tight community it is. The house was abuzz with hugs and kisses by folks who were there to see one another as much as the show.
The first Rule of Writing is to write what you know. Everyone who has traveled south during twilight rush hour knows the road-rage provoking traffic jam that the I-5 comes to. “Gridlock” brought it to a complete halt.
When it becomes clear that nobody’s going anywhere soon, four people who were pointed the same way –but with their lives going in different directions- emerge from their vehicles. It’s not the friendliest exchange at first. But as they intersect in this moment in time, they begin to open up, learning about one another and themselves.
What’s the holdup? A woman called Blackbird is on the edge of a bridge, poised to jump into the traffic. She is met by Frank, a homeless troubadour who insists that she has trespassed into his living room. Together, they balance on a beam between the tension of potential tragedy and ironic humor.
Salomon Maya, the author, is a riot as Rigo. Filled with barrio chutzpah, he delights in confronting and annoying the people around him. Aida Masliah as Angelica, gave a sultry reading of an auto manual in her 900 number voice that is not to be missed.
Zeji Ozeri was fun to watch as Frank. But I would like to have heard more music. After all, if you’re going to hire a musician of his caliber, make the most of having him.
In all, Teatro Punto y Coma is an intrepid little troupe with a lot of heart, committed to telling stories that bring a laugh and a tear. At next year’s Jewish Arts Festival, don’t limit yourself to the usual fare. Spice it up with a little salsa served up by our lantsmen and neighbors at Teatro Punto y Coma.
*
Tauber is a freelance writer specializing in coverage of the arts. He may be contacted via eric.tauber@sdjewishworld.com. Comments intended for publication in the space below MUST be signed with the letter writer’s first and last name and with his city and state of residence (or city and country for those outside the U.S.)