*** Many of you know that before Around The Town, I was a writer/reviewer for another website, Steadstyle and a second salsachicago ( for the Hispanic community). I also wrote for LaRaza, a weekly Spanish newspaper serving the huge Hispanic population of Chicago. During the early years I attended a great number of Spanish productions but had an aid to assist me with understanding the language. Then, for awhile, I had a Latina who would attend and write for my site ( back in the early days ( 2001). I am hopeful that with the many Spanish theater companies and productions, that I will find another writer to join my staff.

Meanwhile, Aguijon Theatre, a storefront venue located on Chicago’s north side since 1989 is doing a smashing take on “Electra” called “Adverses” in Spanish BUT with three monitors placed strategically to allow us to read the English translations. It worked without any problems. I was able to stay with the story and catch all the action and nuances with zero problems. I am hopeful that they can do this for every production as it will allow theater audiences to be able to watch others do their creative works for a larger audience.

As I said earlier, “Adverses”, a Chicago Premiere is written by Rey Andujar and is 90 minutes of a combination, classical Greek “tragedy”, and drama mixed with some very funny spoofs at soap operas and lots of sexual inuendos. Directed by Marcela Munoz and Sandor Menendez, this is a fun show to watch in spite of the story, which is very much “Electra” (played to perfection by Ana Santos). Her mother, Clitemnestra  is played by the very sensualKris Tori, who has an amazing sexual scene with  Chico Rangel ( deftly handled by  Oswaldo Calderon), who is betrothed to Electra.

The “Greek Chorus” is portrayed by two highly talented and energetic performers, Helene (  Haydee Delgado) and  Swain ( Stefanie Jara). These two are funny, sing, move props around and work very hard in keeping the flow of action. Agamemon is played byAugusto Anacopulos and his character pretends to be dead to allow the women of his life to sort it out. His return changes the story. The other performers in this saga are the Comodoro (Ramon Smith) and Egisto ( well played by Sandor Menendez, who also take son th erole of the narrator for the soap opera parody).

Jealousy and hate are the keys to this story. Mother and daughter fighting over power and love as well as sex. FYI- There are many sexual situations and some language that may not be for a younger audience, so I suggest at least a high school student.

“Adverses” will continue thru Dec 15th with performances as follows: