By Ed Lowe
Senior Writer
"Hortensia and the Museum of Dreams," the latest work by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Nilo Cruz, just opened at Victory Gardens Theater for a run which is scheduled through Dec. 18. Cruz sets the play in Cuba during a visit by the Pope.
A sister and brother, exiled from Cuba when they were pre-teens, return to the island for the visit. The sister, Luciana, played by Alex Meneses, and the brother, Luca, performed by Ivan Vega, are estranged. Though they are both returning to their roots, they do not want to encounter each other. The plot revolves around the reasons for their estrangement.
When Luciana enters a tiny village where she is attempting to escape a meeting with her brother, she meets Hortensia, ably played by Cheryl Lynn Bruce. Hortensia dreams of having some official Papal imprimatur placed on her "museum of dreams" which is in fact a mythic representation of miracles she has collected in her lifetime. Hortensia and her two sons (Samuel and Basilio, played by Joe Minoso and Christopher De Paolo) display their hospitality. They believe that Luciana, as a visiting American journalist, will be able to get them recognition for their "museum."
We're left to believe that one of Hortensia's miracles might figure in the reconciliation of the siblings. Especially effective in multiple roles is Ricardo Guitierrez who performs as the local gauleiter/general, the warm and loving uncle and several other ancillary characters who actually give the play a unique and positive flavor. At times there is some confusion as to the motivation of the cast to interrelate, but in total, Cruz has effectively placed us in a chaotic and deprived civilization where basic human values are brought to the forefront in spite of the conflict within the social structure.
The direction by Diane Rodriguez is sensitive and displays a clear knowledge of those conflicting needs of the exile community and its relationship with the motherland. Sets by Brian Sidney Bembridge are basic but flexible enough to accommodate the needs of the script. Jesse Klug's lighting is also a valuable addition to the mood created by the plot.
"Hortensia" is good drama. There are some elements which could stand clarification, but on balance, the play is well worth seeing.
Victory Gardens is located at 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. Tickets are available at the box office or by phone at (773) 871-3000. Their Web site at www.victorygardens.org will give you play times and ticket scaling. |
