Alone and Trying to Survive

Refuge – Theo Ubique

A beautiful new production is playing at this much-loved, multi award-winning theatre, now beginning its 25th season. It’s the Midwest Premiere of a remarkable, multidisciplinary play with music, empathically drawing the audience into what it feels like to be an immigrant at the Mexico and Texas border. The production was co-created by Satya Jnani Chavez and Andrew Rosendorf. Originally the work was commissioned by Denver’s Curious Theatre Company for the Colorado New Play Festival. It’s a heartbreaking story about a vulnerable, fiercely determined Honduran teenager, all alone and trying to survive the harsh, inhospitable desert landscape. She’s in search of her mother and is filled with terror, hope and a sense of loss. The girl, like all the refugees before her, is just hoping to create a better life in America.

Because the show is presented mainly in Spanish, with English translations by Mari Meza-Burgos, it forces Anglo audiences to empathize with the difficulty that Latinx immigrants experience when trying to survive in a land where they don’t understand the language. Theo Ubique’s production is lovingly co-directed by Satya Jnani Chavez and Valen-Marie Santos, with Ms Chavez also serving as music director of the gorgeous score.

The production features a stellar bilingual cast of superb musicians and actors. The leading role of the Girl is portrayed with so much depth, drama and raw emotion by Tatiana Bustamante. They were recently seen in BoHo Theatre’s “National Merit,” in addition to other notable performances, but this is the role that will make Tatiana a name that everyone will remember. She’s not only an accomplished young actor, but a beautiful singer, as well. Tatiana is, without question, the true heart and soul of this production. 

She’s matched by Bill Kalinak as the Rancher. As a property owner on the US/Mexican border, the Rancher has suffered heartbreaking tragedy during his life, the result of one particular illegal immigrant crossing through his land. Bill’s quietly understated performance is solid and honest, often speaking and singing in both English and Spanish. The Rancher’s faithful dog, Steph, becomes one of the play’s most memorable characters, although she’s just a marionette. The puppet is skillfully brought to life by ensemble member Marcela Ossa Gomez. 

The Wolf, another powerfully potent character, is also a marionette, operated by Juan Gonzalez Machain (another standout from “National Merit”). In addition, he plays Hal, the apathetic dispatcher of the border patrol. And border patrol agent Martina, played with a tough exterior but a soft heart, is portrayed by gifted actress, Devon Carson. Working in the unbearably stifling Texas heat, Martina has the frustrating job of hunting for illegal immigrants, with the added burden of being 8 1/2 months pregnant. The Girl, the Rancher and Martina—the only character with an actual name—are the main characters in this heartfelt story.

Laura Murillo Hart is terrific as the Lead Musico, strumming her guitar and passionately sharing her beautifully trained voice in both solo and ensemble musical numbers. The other talented Musico members include Bridgett Martinez, Laura Quinones, Andres J. DeLeon and Aida Palma Carpio (who’s also the puppeteer for the diabolical Rattlesnake marionette). The show’s many ballads and uptempo tunes are sung primarily in Spanish, with English interludes now and then. The music provides the mood and tone for this exquisite production. 

Fred Anzevino’s much-accoladed theatre, now celebrating its Silver Anniversary season, is known for its outstanding cabaret revues and book musicals. But this stunning new bilingual storytelling production, is something very special. Presented for the first time in the Midwest, this important tale is unlike any other musical experienced on the Theo Ubique stage. And as such, it deserves to be seen and appreciated by audiences everywhere.     

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented October 7-November 13 by Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, 721 Howard Street, Evanston, IL.