Theater Reviews

Jul 17, 2003 - A poetic "Amigas" debuts at the Nevada Museum of Art

By Jack Neal

If we're lucky, it takes somewhat less than a lifetime to find out who we really are. The play "Amigas," based on the book "Amigas: Letters of Friendship and Exile" by Marjorie Agosin and Emma Sepulveda, helps expose, explain and sometimes rationalize all the hopes, fears and insecurities any two lives must, by the mere existence of their humanity, encounter.

The Nevada Shakespeare Company is presenting what is, perhaps, the most important play ever written (or compiled) about a citizen of Reno. The dialog comes directly from the letters of Emma Sepulveda, now a political activist noted for her liberal views and promotion of the Latino community, and her long-time girlhood friend from Chile, Majorie Agosin, a political activist now living in Boston.

Through the reading of Emma's letters to Marjorie, L. Martina Young creates a compelling portrait of Emma Sepulveda. Through the reading of Marjorie's letters to Emma, Jeanmarie Simpson creates an equally compelling portrait of Marjorie. With the exception of those few moments when Young's speech does not project beyond the first few rows, both actresses give beautifully edifying performances.

"Amigas" opened Thursday (7/17/2003) at the trim new Primm Theater at Reno's glorious and very new Nevada Museum of Art. It is an entirely splendid theater piece.

"Amigas" is the real-life story of growing up in Chile where the democratically elected and run government of Salvadore Allende, an unacceptable Marxist according to Nixon Administration thought, was deposed by the military junta of General Augusto Pinochet with the help of the United States government's Central Intelligence Agency. Ironically, Allende's overthrow was accomplished on September 11, 1973. The September 11th date is only one of many ironies that make "Amigas" so provocative. The play is a partial answer to the question "Why do they hate us?" that came up repeatedly following the World Trade Center disaster in New York.

"Amigas" is the gripping, often touching story of two friends who wrote literally bushels of letters to one another over nearly three decades. It's their story of growing up in Chile and coming of age in America, a country they believe that both "accepts them and rejects them, but (at least) allows them to tell their story." The play chronicles what it was like for two immigrant girls to find their way in a new land and the prejudices they encountered and the hopes they held and still hold for America.

Audiences are bound to pick up on the poor-me angst of many of the letters, especially Emma's. There's an honesty in saying one sees oneself as a victim, as Emma does, even if whining about one's misfortunes is a less than attractive trait. We are, after all, all victims of one kind or another. It's what one does to make the lives of victims better that counts and that's where the activism of Sepulveda and Agosin have placed their lives on the line. It's what makes their stories, stories of triumph rather than bitterness.

Many years ago on "Good Morning America" former First Lady Rosalyn Carter was asked to give her appraisal of President Reagan. Her response? "He makes us feel comfortable with our prejudices." "Amigas" makes us feel uncomfortable with our prejudices. That's why the play is important and why it's much more than an entertainment.

"Amigas" is sensitively directed by Cameron Crane. The simple set and the elaborate quilting are designed and gorgeously executed by Allyson Adams. The splendid and extensive use of video projections and music and the quiet yet exaltant moments of dance as performed by the elegant L. Martina Young propel "Amigas" into the realm of a poetic, operatic theatrical experience.

The Nevada Shakespeare Company's "Amigas" can be seen at the Wayne and Miriam Primm Theater in the Nevada Museum of Art, 160 W. Liberty Street, Reno, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through July 27 (2003). For information call 775-324-4198.