For centuries, Puerto Rico has been trapped in a complicated relationship with its neighbor the United States. As a commonwealth and an unincorporated territory, it does not enjoy the same rights as it if were a state, yet it is subject to following the federal laws of the United States. Puerto Rican citizens have suffered economic challenges and an uncertain political future, facing devastations when events like Hurricane Maria occur. What might you do, as a caring citizen to resolve this impasse and rescue your people to earn freedom and independence from the yoke that enslaves them? Might you become a terrorist aiming to destroy the ones you perceive as the enemy?
The Yale Repertory Theatre in New Haven is opening your eyes to focus on Christine Carmela’s Lolita, a modern day savior, a young Boricus trans woman, inspired by political activist Dolores “Lolita” Lebron who was imprisoned for actively trying to free her country from outside control in 1952. In a new intriguing play penned by Mara Velez Melendez and directed with skill and style by Javier Antonio Gonzalez, with amazing drag costuming by Arthur Wilson, enter the exciting world of “NOTES on KILLING SEVEN OVERSIGHT MANAGEMENT and ECONOMIC STABILITY BOARD MEMBERS” demonstrating its powerful message until Saturday, May 17.
Armed with a gun, Lolita invades the New York office of this inefficient and ineffective government establishment charged with protecting the welfare of Puerto Ricans. These board members clearly neglect their responsibilities and Lolita is determined to make a statement by killing them. Guarding the office is the receptionist, a perceptive and convincing Samoa la Perdida who uses elaborate drag costuming to make definitive and witty political statements. As a Puerto Rican too, it is easy to take sides and join the protest. Are the pair in a drag show or capable of effecting real change, actually fighting a colonial empire? Can they cause a revolution and really free their country of birth from the oppressor? The understudies for these intense roles are Yan-Carlos Diaz and Flower Estefana Rios.
For tickets ($15-65), call the Yale Rep, 1120 Chapel Street, New Haven at 203-432-1234 or online at yalerep.org. Performances are Tuesday at 8 p.m., Wednesday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m, Thursday at 8 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., and Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Wave a Puerto Rican flag, if you are so inclined, and learn how justice can be served and democracy and independence can be celebrated.
