This site supported by Coral Gables Hospital.
'Probation', drama between generations
After a year of public readings, the Cuban Playwright, Yoshvani Medina, decided to carry out the mammoth task of bringing his new play to life. Probation, a Spanish language dramatic play that exposes the clash among two generations of Cuban exiles, speaks of the differences the Cuban immigrants of this city face.
"The intense debates generated by these readings prompted me to write two endings. Before the final scene of the play, the public will be given the opportunity to decide how the play will end'', explained Medina, who purposely gave the play an English title, based on the harsh reality of ‘Freddy’, one of the main characters.
The playwright noted that the conciliatory essence of his work could inspire passionate debates and controversy. It is for this reason that, according to Medina, “I have assumed the risk of taking a neutral point of view. Neither to the left nor to the right. I should clarify that with Probation, politics is no more than a disguise which reveals our human essence.”
He then referred to a passage in the play where Freddy, who has recently arrived from Cuba, says that capitalism is the exploitation of man by man, and Pancho, a veteran anti-Castro fighter, responding that socialism is all the contrary.
According to Medina, Probation confronts us with a universal question: At what point should we commit ourselves to an idea? At what point does the sacrifice end and self mutilation begin? At what point of our suffering should we send all to hell?
"Like a good remedy, the play does transmit a bitter flavor. But it also has a sound of corrosive humor'', announces Medina, namely with Yennisleydis, a dancing-blogger-humorist-circus contortionist, who is also Freddy’s pregnant girlfriend. Through her online blog, she criticizes Miamians by combining social satire and art critique.
For the leading roles the director cast internationally known Cuban actor and singer Franco Iglesias, known for his musical hit "Toda La Vida”, and the Colombian born actor Jorge Cárdenas. Also in the cast is the Cuban comedian Aly Sánchez, known for her work with popular Hispanic television shows such as Pellízcame Que Estoy Soñando and Teiquirisi.
"Franco’s work will surely receive a lot of buzz'', asserted Medina, who also declared pride in being responsible for the United States acting debut of Columbian soap opera star Jorge Cardenas. ``I consider Aly Sánchez to be a great comedian with exceptional work ethic”, he concluded.
Probation can be seen at Area Stage Theatre Company at the Riviera Theater, US-1 and 57 Ave. Shows: Friday and Saturdays 8:30 pm. Probation runs through Saturday, Feb. 27. Information: 305-666-2078 or www.teatroareastage.com.
To see a clip of Probation visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZcebWwZzW0
Translated by Ivette Viñas for Gables Home Page. 'Probation' is performed in Spanish.
More news from El Nuevo Herald
305-666-2078
- Login or create a profile to post comments
This play was not produced by
This play was not produced by the people at the area stage theater. I looked it up on the website.
'Probation' at the Area Stage Theatre Company
Hello eye-in-the-sky! 'Probation', directed by Yoshvani Medina, is produced by Franklin Blanco and White Apple Tree Productions and runs at the Area Stage Theatre Company. I hope you can make it out this weekend to catch the final performances! FINAL SHOWS this Friday and Saturday at 8:30 pm. For more information and to purchase tickets please contact Area Stage directly at : 305-666-2078 or www.teatroareastage.com. Take Care!! :)