By snoadmin
A variety of art forms were wrapped up into a beautifully executed living exhibit last weekend in the Studio Theater at Cal State Long Beach. This all-encompassing arts event entitled “Exhibit: Frida” was conceived and directed by senior theater major, Cassandra Babcock, and centered on the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.
Upon entering into the living museum, guests were submerged into the world of Frida Kahlo. Paintings and photographs hung from the walls that lined the entryway. Each piece of art represented either Kahlo herself or some other form of abstract art. Even though each piece, which was donated to Babcock in support of the exhibit, was different in content, their abstract themes seemed to flow nicely together.
Outside of the building and also within the halls were the performers doing a variety of actions, such as reciting a passionate monologue, painting, dancing or singing. Each performer stood alone as a unique part of the exhibit.
This living museum portion was considered the pre-show and, after a while, the audience’s attention was called to a precession led by singers singing the traditional Mexican song, “La Llorona,” and carrying an ill Kahlo, played by Marissa Ibarra.
The audience was led into the Studio Theater where the cast was arriving and singing on stage. The set design of the thrust stage was simple with only seven large strips of off-white fabric suspended downstage that acted as a canvas for multimedia projections. Throughout the show, many of Kahlo’s famous works of art, pictures and colors were projected onto the canvas when they were referenced in the sequence of her life.
The main performance began as Ibarra, as Frida, broke the fourth wall and told the audience who she was and the importance of her life. The plot of the main production focused specifically on Kahlo and followed her journey though life, starting from when she was just a small girl. The show touched on many themes behind her famous art work, such as her turbulent marriage to Diego Rivera, (Diego Parada), her heartbreaking inability to have children and her multiple illnesses.
The script was written by Babcock with a team of writers and incorporated some Spanish within the dialogue. Also found in the dialogue was poetry in a particularly passionate scene between Kahlo, Rivera and Kahlo’s sister Christina (Valerie Bentson). In this scene, Kahlo confronts Rivera about his affair with her sister. The rhythm and flow in the poetry strengthened the intensity of the fight and conflict of this particular scene.
Also incorporated throughout the performance and played by the multi-talented undergraduate ensemble were Spanish guitar, dancing and singing. Many of the uses of song and dance were showcased during the most tumultuous parts of Kahlo’s life.
As Kahlo, Ibarra not only looked the part, but acted with passion throughout the production, not only within the plot but also as narrator as she showcased her life to the audience. Another standout performer was Parada as Rivera. Although lacking the width like the real Rivera, Parada successfully portrayed the suave, charming and strong-willed characteristics of Rivera.
This play was not only entertaining, but it was also informative as it touched on such social issues as the Mexican Revolution and the Red Scare. Overall, this living exhibit incorporated many different art forms to reveal the life, love and pursuit of happiness of Frida Kahlo.
