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Revelations occur when there is an exchange of ideas, bringing communities together to understand and to celebrate. There is no better exchange of ideas than through drama, music, and dance, to open the eyes, hearts, and souls of everyone touched. Such was the case with the Organization of Latin American Affairs' (OLAA) show "Revelations," demonstrating that productions can be didactic and entertaining.
Part of the Latino Family Weekend created by the OLAA for unity and progress, the show was inspired by "Food for the Dead," a play written by Josefina Lopez. This play about a family struggling to achieve modernity in the face of tradition touched on issues that anyone in today's world can relate to.
Mercedes Villanueva, director of public relations and A&S '10, said, "The issues in this production are machismo, female empowerment, homosexuality, and others in the community."
In the play, Candela, played by Aileen Perez, CSON '10, tries to balance her traditional roles as a woman and mother with her newfound freedom after the death of her dominating husband. The audience only spends one meal with the family, but during this meal, everything changes for Candela as her family reveals all sorts of taboo issues, such as artificial insemination and homosexuality.
Ruben, played by Kevin Montoya, A&S '09, is Candela's dead husband who comes back to life from hell once their son, Jesus, played by James Huerta, LSOE '11, comes out to the family, and laughter, gasps, and more laughter ensues. Ruben joins the dinner as if still the king of his castle and challenges the new life that Candela had gained for herself.
Perez played the main role beautifully, and the audience supported her through Candela's struggles to when she yells at her husband, "Yo soy la reina de esta casa," (I am the queen of this house). When she finally stands up for herself, the audience was ecstatic, clapping very loudly. Ruben then gets put back to hell, and the rest of the family sits around the dinner table, enjoying the two things most important in their lives: food and family.
One role that was particularly tricky was Fernando, Jesus's lover, played by Dzmitry Maisak, A&S '11. He was the stereotypical gay character and American gringo in one. Sitting with legs crossed and limp wrists and speaking Spanish incorrectly, there was the possibility that people would be offended. Maisak's actions, however, added to the humor since the character Jesus wasn't portrayed as stereotypically gay.
Throughout the night, there were also guest dance performances by Mandingueiros Dos Palmares, Bajcol Colombian Folklore Dance Group, MASTI, PATU, and Fuego Del Corazon. What was most interesting was that OLAA incorporated dance groups that aren't necessarily of the Latin culture. This was a great idea, showing that pride in one's culture doesn't have to exclude other cultures. The dazzling dances were full of colorful regalia and beats that caused audience members to tap their feet. It was an eclectic mixture of activity, catering to any mood of the numerous people in the audience.
A satisfied audience member, Marlena Papavaritis, A&S '11, spoke about the male dancers of Bajcol: "Those Colombian guys were mighty fine."
All proceeds from the show went to the Asociación Integral de la Juventud Q'anil, a group that supports the development of young people of Guatemala through scholarships, tutoring, and cultural and educational activities, making the night not only about revealing issues here, but also about world issues.
"The 'revelation' is that you always have your family. It's about the importance of family," Villanueva said. With the diverse nature of the production and participation of the audience, not only does "family" mean blood, but it also means the community of Boston College.
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