By Yani Perez . . .
Family relationships can be complicated even in the closest of families. Imagine being imprisoned for fifteen years and wanting to make amends with your estranged father. This is the case for Omar, the protagonist in Mala Mañas, a new play by Alejandra Ramos Riera, directed by Jorge Rodulfo that played through April 30 at Repertorio Español.
The play takes place in the homes of two couples, Miranda (Cristina Soler) and Orlando (René Monclova) and Omar (Heriberto Feliciano) and Irene (Isel Rodriguez). The set is split between their two houses. The set design by Israel Franco Müller is nicely done. It is effective and helps the storyline flow easily, as the audience can clearly distinguish between the homes. The lighting by Israel Franco Müller also assists with this process.
Omar (Heriberto Feliciano) has completed a fifteen-year sentence in prison. He returns to live with his girlfriend Irene (Isel Rodríguez), his social worker from the prison. This juicy detail is revealed in the play’s second act, where all secrets and gripes start spewing out. The play does an excellent job building up to these moments. The story is engaging, and the language is humorous and sharp. The cast, which also includes Emma (Yaiza Figueroa), Miranda’s daughter, is superb. They are funny and display a range of emotions.
The play opens with Omar speaking about the atrocities of being in prison. He says that whatever you may have thought or heard about prison, it’s way worse. It’s a strong and heartfelt beginning for a play that goes on to dissect systemic but primarily familial systems. As we later learn, Omar was a victim of his father’s actions. Omar must learn to live as a free man while slowly releasing the trauma of being a prisoner. Part of his healing process involves connecting with his father, who didn’t visit him when he was in jail. Omar declares that he needs to look his father in the eyes. So he extends an invitation to his father and his family. The date is set.
This scene concludes the first part of the show, which is tightly constructed and structured. The elements of the play fall perfectly into place. As the play transitions into the next half, it takes a rather quirky turn, where Irene and Emma are part of a mock game show. Irene is the host and Emma is the contestant. The humor and informational aspects of this scene are appreciated. However, it is a distinct shift and somewhat throws off the rhythm.
We now head into the last scenes, where the tension builds and explosions occur. Alcohol plays a part in the debacle that ensues. Emma (Yaiza Figueroa), who is hilarious throughout the play, brings her best to these last scenes. She is more developed in these moments, which adds dimension to her character. Emma, who has no qualms about holding her tongue, throws in blunt, often uncomfortable questions that get the group revved up. She probably gets this from her mother, Miranda. Miranda’s character is a mix of passive-aggression, bluntness and outright inappropriateness. Emma and Miranda are needed to get Omar and his father to speak. Omar seems to be looking for healing and explanations . . . a cathartic moment. Unfortunately, their conversation doesn’t entirely fulfill his expectations.
The play ends with the characters getting drunk, arguing and passing out. It is a wonderful depiction of physical theater. When they awaken, they begin to murmur apologies to one another. And the curious aspect is that they all accept these simple, yet loaded, apologies. Orlando even extends an olive branch to Omar. Omar accepts. Some of the most sincere and deep feelings are often unsaid, which is sometimes enough to begin again.
Mala Mañas is a humorous and genuine play that explores the structure of a family and what happens when extraneous situations threaten the fabric that keeps them together.
Alejandra Ramos Riera was the winner of The Miranda Family Voces Latinx National Playwriting Competition. The competition is supported by Repertorio Español.
Mala Mañas ran through April 30 at Repertorio Español (138 East 27th Street, between Third and Lexington Avenues) and was presented in Spanish with English subtitles. www.repertorio.nyc
Photos: Michael Palma Mir.
