'Solo Tu' nurses images of motherhood
Are there women who have never given any thought to motherhood?
Unlikely.
Whether they intend to ever have children, and whether natures cooperates or puts the brakes, motherhood -- or lack thereof -- is bound to be a central theme in women's lives, if only because of how their choices are viewed by society.
In "Solo Tu," the latest production by Chicago's Teatro Luna, the stories of four Latinas and their feelings about motherhood take the stage. The play is directed by Tanya Saracho, co-founder and co-artistic director of the theater company.
More Coverage Links 'Solo Tu' is 'by Latinas, about Latinas' [03/14/08] Review: 'Solo Tu' nurses images of motherhood [03/14/08]
Done in the typical fashion of Teatro Luna, Chicago's only year-round, all-Latina theater company, the play is sharp, poignant, funny and provocative. It is not, however, groundbreaking, nor does it portray the complexity and variety of women's perceptions of motherhood.
The writing is peppered with a fair amount of profanity and spares no details, with explicit talk about sperm and orgasms. But if this doesn't rattle you, its substance will surely intrigue you.
The four monologues are: "Pregnant Pause," by Diane Herrera, interpreted by Suzette Mayobre; "It's Never the Right Time," by Desiree T. Castro, and interpreted by Miranda Gonzalez; "Bitter Old Hag," by Coya Paz and interpreted by Dana Cruz; and "Not a Thing," written by Tanya Saracho and interpreted by Yadira Correa.
There is the woman who used to scoff at her pregnant, demanding friends, only to become the same baby-picture obsessed mother; the woman who finds the strength to get out of an abusive relationship and be on her own for her child's sake; the woman who longs for a child -- she can even picture her almond-shaped eyes-- but can't get pregnant despite years of trying; and finally, the woman who decides to have an abortion, but finds the process more heart-wrenching than she imagined.
Set designer Tim Borntrager and "mistress of pajamas" Dawn Herrera-Terry -- all the actors wear pajamas -- do an outstanding job with modern, clean lines and a simple red-and-white color scheme. No frills and no distractions, but enough creativity, like a red laptop and red toilet paper, to be visually compelling.
"Solo Tu" is the second incarnation of the "Solo Latina" series, first produced in 2005. This time, more than 40 Latina writers ranging from amateur to experienced responded to the theater company's call for monologues about motherhood. A dozen were selected for readings at Columbia College Chicago, and the final four were chosen for the stage by a panel of judges.
The lack of balance in the selection might be the weakest aspect of the play. However compelling each monologue on its own, as a whole they fail to give a well-rounded portrayal of women's feelings about motherhood.
The absence of the story of a woman who is not interested in becoming a mother is noticeable. And if Saracho's monologue intended to fill this role, it fails to hit the mark, because it doesn't explain why she chooses to not have her baby, and ends with a palpable note of sadness that could be interpreted as regret.
Also absent are stories of women who are conflicted about motherhood, or who perhaps grow into their roles over time. Instead, the selection -- however unintentionally -- gives the impression that motherhood is put on a pedestal.
Despite this, the play is worth watching -- it will make you laugh and perhaps get misty-eyed and, for sure, it will make you think.
"Solo Tu"
Rating: 2#189; stars
Location: Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago
Times: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 6 p.m. Sundays
Running time: About 90 minutes
Tickets: $15 general, $10 students and seniors. Discounts for groups of eight or more.
Parking: Street
Box office: www.brownpapertickets.com or (773) 878-LUNA
Rating: Some adult subject matter