It is always difficult to say goodbye to a show you loved so much.
Being a part of Los Faustinos was truly an experience like no other because of the fantastic cast, story and timing it happened to take place in. I found myself emotional and discovering something new at every performance. I was never ashamed or mocked for being vulnerable-- if anything, we encouraged one another as cast members to honor the story with all we had. There was a moment in one of the rehearsals where Roberto, our fantastic director, called up a couple of actors (including myself) and started talking about how ensemble work is all about catching one another if we fall. When he asked us to stand in two rows facing each other and extend our arms we all knew something was up. He teased us saying he wouldn't do such a thing but our instincts kicked in and we braced ourselves for a trust fall. The funniest part was that when Roberto leapt into our arms he didn't feel heavy at all. "Acting is about doing" he would often say. In all the performances I realized I was acting fast, following my instincts and bracing myself just like he had demonstrated. Although I have many favorite moments, performing "In The Messy Right Now" which encapsulates the message of the story and the importance of embracing the now, always touched my heart. We will never be able to relive the performances, the laughter, the tears we experienced in Los Faustinos, and that is what makes it so special. Santa Ana (where this play took place) is one of the most rapidly changing cities due to gentrification and Orange County is experiencing so many waves of social-political disenfranchisement it feels overwhelming for many families struggling to survive. We cannot avoid change sometimes, but this should not give away our power to embrace the present moment. If we get too caught up in what should/shouldn't be, it takes away from precious time we have now. Yes, the now can be messy and there is so much uncertainty in the world but nothing is guaranteed for us..which is why we must be here right now for one another and for ourselves. Overall, I know all the hours we spent rehearsing showed in the limited performances we had and the the rave reviews we got from audience members coming out from near and far! I don't think anyone who signed up for this play could foresee how much of a gift this show would be, but I know all of us will take a little piece of Los Faustinos with us. I mourn the end of this show knowing the magic co-created in that space will continue to permeate in other places and spaces.
1 Comment
Do I need a name?
1/9/2019 03:23:06 am
What did you think of that Jose guy in the show??? Wasn’t he pretty great??!!! Please, he’s amazing.
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