By Valerie Milano
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 3/25/25 – Odalys Nanin, an acclaimed playwright and visionary, has turned the life of iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo into an electrifying immersive theater experience with Frida: Stroke of Passion. Known for her bold artistic choices, Nanin’s play offers an innovative and intimate way to experience Frida’s turbulent life, combining her legacy of passion, pain, and creativity with an interactive format that is quickly becoming a hallmark of contemporary theater.
Immersing Audiences in Frida’s World
What sets Frida: Stroke of Passion apart from other productions about Kahlo is its immersive nature. The play doesn’t just recount Frida’s life; it invites audiences to live it with her. From the moment the lights go down, attendees are transported into Frida’s vibrant and often tumultuous world, where they can feel the intensity of her experiences firsthand. This isn’t just watching Frida’s life unfold from a distance—it’s stepping into it, becoming part of her journey.
Nanin’s decision to create an immersive experience was rooted in a desire to make Frida’s story as visceral as her art. “Frida’s world was full of color, emotion, and raw beauty,” says Nanin. “I wanted to give the audience more than a passive role in her narrative. I wanted them to engage with her, to feel the depth of her love, pain, and strength. Immersive theater felt like the perfect way to do that.”
The Artistry of Frida: More Than Just Pain
Frida Kahlo’s art is often synonymous with suffering—the physical pain she endured from a debilitating bus accident, her tumultuous relationship with Diego Rivera, and the emotional scars of her personal and political struggles. But Frida: Stroke of Passion doesn’t simply focus on these hardships; Nanin aims to showcase Frida’s resilience and her undying passion for life, even when the world seemed to conspire against her.
Through the immersive production, Nanin strives to highlight the multi-dimensional aspects of Frida’s persona, not only as an artist but as a woman who refused to be defined solely by her pain. “Frida is a symbol of strength and vulnerability. She embraced life’s messiness and turned it into art. I wanted to capture that spirit, to show audiences her fierce love for life even in the face of incredible hardship,” says Nanin.
The play draws inspiration from Frida’s personal letters, journals, and the stories of those who were closest to her. It weaves together elements of her art, her political activism, and her deeply complex relationship with her body. Through these intimate and poignant moments, Frida: Stroke of Passion gives a full, unfiltered portrait of the artist and woman behind the famous images.
Enjoy an exclusive interview with playwright and actor, Odalys Nanin here:
The Magic of Immersive Theater
Immersive theater as a medium allows Nanin to break down the traditional boundaries between the audience and performers. In Frida: Stroke of Passion, every corner of the space becomes part of the story, with actors and audience members co-existing in the same world. It’s a theatrical experience that invites people to step into the shoes of Frida, to see through her eyes, and even to feel the weight of the burdens she carried throughout her life.
For Nanin, the power of immersive theater lies in its ability to create a deep emotional connection. “When the audience isn’t just watching the play, but actively participating in it, the experience becomes much more personal,” Nanin explains. “It’s not just about observing Frida’s pain; it’s about understanding it, living it for a moment, and feeling the strength, it took to transform that pain into art.”
Frida’s Legacy in the Modern World
As we continue to live in a time where women’s voices and stories are more vital than ever, Frida’s legacy remains ever relevant. Nanin’s play highlights not just the artistic brilliance of Frida Kahlo, but her role as an icon for empowerment, resistance, and authenticity. “Frida was unapologetic in her authenticity,” says Nanin. “She lived her truth in a time when women were expected to hide parts of themselves, and that’s why her legacy has endured. I think that’s something everyone can relate to today.”
With Frida: Stroke of Passion, Nanin offers a powerful tribute to Frida’s spirit—one that continues to inspire generations of artists, feminists, and dreamers. The play provides a poignant, immersive experience that challenges audiences to embrace the complexity of their own stories while honoring the complexities of those who came before them.
Looking Toward the Future
After the success of Frida: Stroke of Passion, Nanin is excited about the future of immersive theater. Her vision doesn’t stop with this production; she hopes to continue exploring the boundaries of theater and storytelling. “Immersive theater is such an exciting frontier because it makes the audience a part of the narrative. I’d love to bring other iconic figures to life in this way and push the limits of what theater can do.”
Whether you’re a fan of Frida Kahlo or simply someone looking for a truly unique theater experience, Frida: Stroke of Passion is not to be missed. It’s a tribute to one of the world’s most beloved artists and a powerful reminder of the enduring strength and beauty that art—and life—can offer.