By Eva Trieger
CARLSBAD, California — We generally view grief as a mitigating factor. Death is a harsh clarion signaling a divide between what was once vibrant and dynamic to something silenced and static. New Village Arts turns this concept on its head with Guadalupe in the Guest Room. This beautiful 90 minute one-act play exposes the audience to every emotion in the spectrum from courage, love, and humor to fear, bereavement and despair. Writer Tony Meneses has given us this sensitive play that is only made more vivid by direction of Nadia Guevara.
Through the sensitivity and artistry of Teatro Pueblo Nuevo’s partnership with New Village Arts, patrons are treated to an insightful, poignant glimpse into the lives of a young husband and his mother-in-law, coping respectively with the loss of their wife and daughter. Guadalupe (Gabriela Nelson), a Mexican native and Spanish speaker, has come to America at the end of her daughter’s life to aid her. Claudia’s husband, Steve (Tom Steward) an American, and bereft soul, allows his mother-in-law to occupy the guest room, but the two clearly have little to share aside from their pain. Luckily for the two, Raquel (Ciarlene Coleman) is present to bridge the gap. As a friend and coworker of Guadalupe’s daughter, Claudia, the young woman becomes a vehicle for translating Claudia’s memories, thoughts and words into children’s books. This activity bring solace to Guadalupe, but does little for Steve, who appears lost and hopeless. He tolerates his mother-in-law, but really lacks the ability or desire to interact with her on any meaningful level, until the two share the experience of watching a telenovela.
Now, of course, Americans who grew up in the 50s through 80s are quite familiar with soap operas. Programs such as Guiding Light or General Hospital were cult favorites. Similarly Mexico’s telenovelas are enjoyed by many. These melodramatic spectacles are always overly emotive and contain absurd plot twists. Yet, that may be precisely why they draw people in. Steve and Guadalupe form an intimate bond while daily watching a program, and their connection deepens beyond the screen and script of this formulaic show.
Daniel Novoa delightfully portrays three characters, and infuses each with his own personality. There is the humble, unassuming, yet charming gardener, Roberto. He has lost his wife and comes courting a reluctant Guadalupe. Next, he is the fiery, emotive Jose Fernando in the TV series, and eventually Bernardo, the foil to Jose. His acting is exemplary and we experience his sadness when he accepts Guadalupe’s final rebuff.
Guadalupe in the Guest Room is a short, sweet play that will wreak havoc with every single one of your heart strings. It is a perfect combination of humor, sadness, nostalgia and hope. The acting is superb and the set design is completely inspired thanks to Tanya Orellana.
The show only runs through October 28th. Tickets are available at www.newvillagearts.org or by calling 760.433.3245.
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Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in coverage of the arts. She may be contacted via eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com