|
Plots and subplots at Theatre of the Big Bend: Part 2 of comic trilogy opens Friday
“Petra’s Cuento,” the second of Rupert Reyes Jr.’s comedic bilingual trilogy, opens Friday, July 18, on the Theatre of the Big Bend stage. That’s the main plotline. However, there are subplots to consider: First, Reyes, the author, is one of the visionaries in Latino and bilingual theater in the United States. Second, Liz Castillo, the director, who is working with Reyes for the second consecutive summer, is one of the hot young faces in the Latino and bilingual theater movement. Third, Sul Ross is well on its way to becoming one of the big players in the growing Latino theater community - thanks to Castillo, Reyes and Theatre of the Big Bend director Dona Roman. “Petra’s Cuento” is the second part of a bilingual trilogy by Reyes about the fun-loving but superstitious Petra, her family and friends. Last summer, Theatre of the Big Bend’s production of “Petra’s Pecado” was extremely successful and attracted many new patrons to the summer theater. This year the theater is hoping to attract even bigger audiences and to raise awareness of the Kokernot Amphitheatre Renovation Project, a two-year plan to renovate the old amphitheatre and begin a Latino Theatre Festival in 2010. By the way, don’t let “bilingual” scare you. It’s actually a funky little word that can lead you to all kinds of wonderful new places. If your Spanish is a bit on the, well, awful side (like me), don’t worry. You’ll get it. Just relax, observe, listen. The actors, the director, the playwright will take good care of you. I am ashamed to say that my Spanish is often limited to “dos mas.” That said, I’m not sure I enjoyed a play more than last year’s “Petra Pecado.” Shoot, on the flip side, if your English is a bit rusty (like mine can be after too many late nights in Austin), well, you’ll also get it. Again, just relax. The actors and director know what they’re doing. You’ll love what they do. As Reyes said, “[The play] is a way to show our similarities. We have the same struggles and problems, regardless of language.” Reyes has been a force in bilingual and Latino theater for almost three decades. He’s a theater graduate of the University of Texas. He continues to live in Austin but has become a frequent visitor to and admirer of the Alpine theater scene. Last year, when he was helping Castillo prep for “Petra’s Pecado,” he told me that Sul Ross and Alpine are onto something special with the Theatre of the Big Bend and the proposed Latino Theatre Festival. When I talked to him last week, he was even more excited about Alpine’s prospects. “No one else is doing anything this innovative,” he said. “It’s entirely possible for Alpine and the Big Bend to become the centerpiece for this kind work.” Strong words from a man whose roots go deep into all aspects of American theater. His work history includes the student group Teatro Carnales en Espiritu at the University of Texas, the student group at the George I. Sanchez Center, Teatro Lagrimas y Risas, and a four-year stint with the renowned Teatro de la Esperanza of Santa Barbara, Calif., now in San Francisco. He was the director for the TENAZ International Theater Festival in 1979 and was one of the founders of the Latino Comedy Project. Reyes has worked in several feature films, including “Ms. Congeniality,” “Office Space,” “Night Visions,” “The Alamo” and “Rough Riders.” He is currently working on a feature script based on “Petra’s Pecado” and “Vecinos,” a new play that was first produced in February. “The good thing about Rupert,” said director Castillo, “is he’s also a director, very much a collaborator. “Last year,” she said, “I know I was nervous about working with Rupert for the first time, but it was great. I learned so much. “Rehearsals have been good, but the logistics have been a challenge,” Castillo added. “For the first four weeks of rehearsals, we had to work in Marshall Auditorium with only lines marked on the floor. “And it’s always tough coordinating 10 (actors’) schedules. But we’re on the right track.” “We have someone new playing Petra,” Castillo explained. “and I think she’ll be quite good. I told her that we were not looking for last year’s Petra; this is a new show.” Helping the new Petra is a new set of characters in a new setting. For instance, Petra’s son-in-law - Michael - is a fun-loving guy caught up in a serious job. He works very hard and begins to understand, as the play progresses, that he has lost something. “His children are difficult,” Castillo said, “but they are not mean. “They are at a point in their lives where they’re looking for the love of their parents.” FAST FACTS What: “Petra’s Cuento” When: Saturday-Sunday, July 19-20; Friday-Sunday, July 25-27 and Aug. 1-3 Time: All shows will begin at 8:15 p.m. Where: Kokernot Outdoor Theatre Who: Directed by Liz Castillo, written by Rupert Reyes How much: $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and children 12 and under. Complimentary admission for Sul Ross staff and currently enrolled students More info: About “Petra’s Cuento” or the Kokernot Amphitheatre Renovation Project, call 1-888-722-SRSU Plots and subplots at Theatre of the Big Bend: Part 2 of comic trilogy opens Friday “Petra’s Cuento,” the second of Rupert Reyes Jr.’s comedic bilingual trilogy, opens Friday, July 18, on the Theatre of the Big Bend stage. Special section highlights Centennial Avalanche staff The seasonal construction of swallow nests in the Big Bend brings both the beauty of nature and the contradiction of humans and animals living side by side. |
| Subscribe | Health News | Financial News | Entertainment | Home |