“The Abuelas”

Highly Recommended ***** Back in May of 2018, Teatro Vista presented a new work by Stephanie Alison Walker, Called “The Madres”. They are now presenting the follow-up to this amazing story ( based on real facts). “The Abuelas” and to offer you a better understanding, here is something that will help from my review of  May 7, 2018.

Their latest production , in their new home, the Richard Christiansen Theater ( second floor of The Victory Gardens), is a World Premiere of Stephanie Alison Walker’s “The Madres”, a powerful story that details the problems of the Guerra Sucia ( “Dirty War” ) period of Argentina’s government during the 1970’s. This was a treacherous time for the Argentinians as people were disappearing right off the street. This “Dirty War” was waged by the Military “Junta” against its own people. This was a government “dictatorship” and people were pulled off the streets and placed in detention camps ( one might even call the concentration camps). if you were believed to be a subversive or  associated with socialism, you were no longer one that they wanted to be free. students, journalists and artists disappeared

“The Abuelas” takes place in 2016, in Chicago. We are in the home of  Marty ( a solid performance by Nate Santana) and Gabriela/Gaby (  Cruz Gonzalez-Cadel is magnificent and should be awarded a Jeff for this performance) and their baby. She is a cellist with the Chicago Symphony ( first chair) and he an architect, on his way up the ladder. They are happy as they joyfully prepare for her mother’s birthday. Her mother, Soledada, is played to perfection by Katie Barberi. She is an Argentinian who has come to Chicago to share her birthday with her grandchild. All seems as near to perfect as a family can be.Marty even gets along with his Morther-in-Law!

Into their lives comes Cesar ( a very cool Esteban Schemberg, who stepped into the role when Teatro Vista member Eddie Martinez suffered an injury during a snow storm) an Argentinian comes to the “party” bringing along Carolina ( powerfully played by Alba Guerra), who we learn has been searching high and low for her grandchild for 37 years.      note Eddie is fine and will be seen on Chicago stages very soon.

It is important to note that the story ties the two plays together. Carolina is convinced that Gaby is indeed  possibly her  grandchild . Gabi is upset and Soledad, even more so. Personalities begin to alter and what was “happy” becomes confused and hurt. Everyone suspects every one of having motives in everything they say and do. For 110 minutes ( with an intermission) we are taken through this story under the smooth direction of Ricardo Gutierrez ( who did the previous one as well, making him familiar with the characters, and it shows). There is one more character in the story, her name is Belen ( deftly handled by Ilse Zacharias, who also played this role in “The Madres”.

A strong cast, directed to perfection on a set (Jose Manuel Diaz ) that is strong and flexible, lighting (Diane D. Fairchild ) that is mood setting, costumes (Sanja Manakoski) that are fitting  ( I love the PJ’s that Marty wears), has perfect sound ( Sadie Tremblay) and great props( Emily Hartig). This is a moving story that is based on real life incidents that many of us were never even aware of. In fact, many of the children that went “missing” are not even aware that they are those children. You will also laugh and will fall in love with this cast. Thank you Teatro Vista for bringing this story to us!

Imagine your whole world being tossed upside down. Imagine finding out that you are not who you think you are and that your parents may in fact be hunted criminals! This play will make you think, and as you are, think of the women ( and families) that had their futures taken away from them.”The Abuelas” will continue at Victory Gardens Theater, Richard Christiansen Theater- upstairs through March 17th with performances as follows:

Price: $20-$35

Show Type: Drama

Box Office: 773-871-3000   The theater is located at  2433 N. Lincoln Avenue  valet parking is available and the meters in the area are extended hours.

www.teatrovista.org to order tickets- OPEN seating, but not a bad seat in this intimate space.

To ee what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “The Abuelas”

SPECIAL NOTE:
If you were born of Argentinian parents between 1975 and 1980, and have any doubts about your identity, you may be one of the “missing” children. You would have to initiate the process.  Contact Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo (dudas@abuelas.org) or Red Argentina por Derecho a la identidad- Canada/USA at (redlaidentidad.canadausa@gmail.com)