A WOMAN NAMED GLORIA by Josefina Lopez
Directed by Corky Dominguez Produced by Emmanuel Deleage
Recommended
By Odalys Nanin
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 9/1/24 – A Feminist play about the first Latina political trail blazer in a documentary style penned brilliantly by Josefina Lopez. Josefina’s passionate inspiration of Gloria Molina’s life delivers a strong punch with a feminine touch that warms your heart and gives courage to the soul to take flight. Josefina is a writer that resonates with women’s plight.
Gloria Molina participated in the Chicano movement as a young activist and entered politics in1982 becoming the first Latina elected to the California State Assembly. Later becoming the first Latina elected to the Los Angeles City council and to the Board of Supervisors where she served on the board for 23 years. She fought against sexual and racial discrimination proving to those around her that her great fight was worth fighting, thus opening doors to other Latinas to follow in her footsteps. Josefina’s epic play consists of a wonderful ensemble cast of ten actors each playing multiple roles. The Rally scenes were powerful to watch as they screamed out “No War in Vietnam the struggle is here!” As police sirens and guns shots are fired the actors move in slow motion running for their lives as the stage is bathed in a red glow.
Gloria Molina appears to us as a ghost played by Karla Ojeda whose performance is convincing. Amy Melendrez plays young Gloria with valor and Natalie Herrera plays the much younger Gloria with charm. The scene between the grandmother played by Laura Vega and the younger Gloria played by Natalie Herrera takes us back in time to the innocence of a child who listens attentively to her wise grandmother. Flawlessly directed by Corky Dominguez this scene reveals where Gloria learned to be proud of her Mexican roots and culture.
Creatively weaved into the story of Gloria is a second story of Jessica Contreras played by Lauren Curet a young Latina running for City Council who gets a DUI ruining her chances to run. The ghost of Gloria appears to her when Jessica is down on herself. Gloria guides her as the story unfolds. This is the heart of the conflict of this story because it is Jessica who will decide if she has the courage to listen to Gloria and find her self-confidence and courage to fight the great fight. It is Gloria now the wise grandmother who guides Jessica to the finish line. Ms. Curet strikes the right note with her non apologetic voice of anger, frustration and grief when confronting her family. Jessica’s mother is played by the talented Tricia Cruz with a style all her own delivering one of the funniest lines in the play,” You’re turning 38 next week, you’re losing time. Your eggs are going to disappear or go bad.” Her comedic timing shines. Her father is played by Alejandro Bravo and her sister by Micaela Martinez who is everything her sister is not. Martin Morales multi characterizations from sweet priest to white stern politician are so entertaining to watch. Oscar Gonzalez who plays Papa Leonardo instills in his daughter Gloria self-confidence & service to other above self. Edward Navarrete rounds out the ensemble playing the famous Richard Allatorre, Gil Cedillo among many other roles.
The final act is a Eulogy to Gloria on her dying bed by her family, friends and foes.
The Virgin of Guadalupe played by Celeste Lanuza glows in her celestial light appearing and guiding Gloria into heaven. The simple set design by Cesar Holguin imbued by the gorgeous light design by Alex Parra and Video design by Anthony Storniolo delivers a precious visual effect. Gloria Molina died on May 14, 2023, of breast cancer at age 74. Even to the bitter end she never gave up fighting her great fight. As the final curtain falls one is left with a feeling of admiration, grief and anger that Gloria is gone. A life well lived is worth fighting for and so does her legacy immortalized for perpetuity in all that Gloria Molina achieved and embodied.
Review by Odalys Nanin for Hollywood Times August 30, 2024
Running from August 30th to October 6, 2024, Friday & Saturdays 8pm Sundays 3pm
Venue: 2102 East First Street Los Angeles, CA. 90033. www.casa0101.org tix: $25
