I was born in the Central Valley and grew up near my birthplace in Fowler, California. That is my way to situate my interest and appreciation for this look at small-town agricultural life in Central California, written by Luis Alfaro. As I grew up, the migrant workers from Mexico, who used to come every year, gradually found ways to stay year-round, thus creating Anglo-Mexican cultures on either side of Highway 99.
Now, The Latino Theatre Company at LATC is featuring Alfaro’s Speaking in Tongues, an insightful look at farming culture in nearby Earlimart just off the venerable Highway 99. Set against a magnificently devised corn husk-thatched frontage of a church (devised by Prairie T. Trivuth), we meet the few brothers and sisters who remain at the local Pentecostal Church after the pastor has mysteriously disappeared.
The pastor’s wife, Sister Romie (Evelina Fernandez), leads by default. Stalwart brothers of the church, Mando (Sal Lopez) and Tico (Geoffrey Rivas), continue their efforts to keep up the building by putting down new corn leaves for the roofing, while Lucy Rodriguez plays Sister Cubby, the irascible elder parishioner. Together they struggle to maintain their religious practices.
In the midst of societal change, playwright Alfaro depicts just the sort of admirable courage it takes to establish this nourishing kind of society. Secretly, Sister Romie has been preparing the outdoor corn field as a new place to worship. And, for me, the highlight of the entire performance occurs when the sisters and brothers “try out” their new space as a way to reach the Lord through speaking in tongues. Here, choreography by Urbanie Lucero creates the ambiance. Situated high above the stage, they return from the corn field refreshed and revitalized. But it is Sister Romie’s daughter, Tiri (played by aptly named Esperanza America), who is the harbinger of things to come. Even in the midst of her plans to depart for college, she finds time to unite with the elders for her final declaration.
This illuminating play, directed by Artistic Director Jose Luis Valenzuela, utilizes every one of the Latino Theatre Company’s talented designers. The creative set needs the help of Lighting Designer Xinjuan Li, with projections by Yee Yuan Nam, especially in the corn field, to make it work. The costuming by Samantha Jo Jafferie, with sound design by Robert J. Revell, places the action in the late 20th Century without having to say a word.
All of us — at least at some time in history — traveled to this land to create a new society. The depiction of the Latino diaspora holds reminiscences for many of us. With only one weekend more, I hope you don’t miss it!
Speaking in Tongues continues Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday s at 8 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm through November 15that LATC, 514 S. Spring St., Los Angeles 90013. Tickets are $48.00, with student and Senior tickets at $24.00 (with valid ID), and $10 performances on Thursday. For ticket sales: call (213) 489-0994 or go to latinotheaterco.org. Parking: $8 with box office validation at Los Angeles Garage Associate Parking structure, 545 S. Main St., just behind the theater (Enter from Sixth Street just past Spring).
