By Amanda VanNostrand.
Azuka Theatre is currently presenting the world premiere of All My Mothers Dream in Spanish between now and March 19th. Relatable and important, this is one to see!
All My Mothers Dream in Spanish tells the stories of three generations of women: Maria Consuelo (Keila Cordova), mother and grandmother; Maria Soledad (Taysha Marie Canales), daughter and mother; and Camilla Marie (Cianna Castro), daughter and granddaughter. The show is made up of conversations between two of the women at a time, as the other actor plays the part of Guiomar, the spirit of their female ancestors. They discuss dreams, spirituality, pride, their pasts, their futures, and more. The discussions range from tender to tense, and each word of Spanish and English is pointed and important to their life journeys.
All My Mothers Dream in Spanish takes place outside of a home in a jungle. The two-floor set (scenic design by Marie Laster) full of beautiful, large trees and an outdoor patio provides a magical place and time for the story to be told. While this bilingual show takes place in an undefined country, it contains themes that are relevant everywhere. Conversation between the women portray common difficulties that people across generations have when trying desperately to be heard by one-another. One of the lines from a heated part of the discussion states, “You say I don’t listen, but you don’t listen!” All My Mothers Dream in Spanish makes it clear that as times change and people move from place to place, connections and common ground are difficult to come by, even (perhaps especially) within families.
All My Mothers Dream in Spanish is an intense show. All three actors bring their characters to life and immerse the audience in important breakthroughs for each. The unique way that the story is told – the change of actors, the drums (Percussion by Anssumane Silla), the various means of communicating (the show is told in English and Spanish, and dance and movement are also used as expression) – gives it a deep, unique feel.
Azuka Theatre’s All My Mothers Dream in Spanish will be playing at the Proscenium Theatre at The Drake until March 19th, 2023. The theater is located at 302 South Hicks Street (near 15th and Spruce) Philadelphia, PA. For tickets contact the box office at (215) 563-1100 or click here.
Photo from Azuka Theatre.