The Frida of the title is, of course, the world-famous artist Frida Kahlo. The play begins on July 6, 1954, Frida’s 47th birthday. She will die exactly one week later. The narrative will explore the mysterious circumstances surrounding her death. (There is an official account of her cause of death, but how did she die really?) This is not all, however. It is the story of a woman living as vibrantly as she can despite dwindling health and a world of pain.
She attempts to continue painting. Partially anesthetized by a mixture of tequila and painkillers, she is visited by many lovers, male and female, singer Chavela Vargas, movie star Maria Felix, Communist politician Leon Trotsky, entertainer Josephine Baker, Cuban spy Teresa Proenza, photographer Tina Modotti, and Frida’s husband, painter and muralist Diego Rivera. Some are physically present in her room, others are recreated and present in her vivid memory.
The relationship between Frida and Diego is deeply complex. Diego is incapable of sexual monogamy, so much so that he practically pushes Frida into the arms of other lovers. Yet their emotional attachment to each other is surpassingly deep and a thing of wonder.
The show includes several iconic songs of the period, performed live. Among them: Paloma Negra, La Llorona, Piensa en mi, Estas Son Las Mananitas, Maria Bonita and Una Cabeza.
Written and directed by Odalys Nanin. Presented by Macha Theatre/ Films. In addition to Odalys Nanin, the cast of Frida- Stroke of Passion includes Oscar Basulto, Sandra Valls, Celeste Creel, Marjorie Burgos, Francisco Medina, Tricia Cruz, Kesia Elwin, David Ty Reza, Mantha Balourdou, Paul Cascante, and David Santamaria.
