Theater Review By Yani Perez…. La Muerte y La Doncella, written by Ariel Dorfman and Directed by Jean Carlo Yunén Aróstegui, opened this summer at Repertorio Español as part of The New York Community Trust Van Lier Fellowship for Young Directors.
The play delves into the emotional journey of Paulina Salas, a former political prisoner, who believes she has found the man responsible for her suffering fifteen years earlier. When a stranger named Roberto Miranda unexpectedly arrives at her home, she decides to get the justice she deserves. Paulina takes matters into her own hands and gives Roberto a taste of what she went through when she was a prisoner. She will not stop until he confesses. Her husband, Gerardo Escobar, the newly appointed Commissioner of Justice, grapples with the unfolding situation. He wants his wife to get the closure she needs while maintaining as much of an ethical process in place.
The performances by Anna Malavé, Guillermo Ivan, and Sandor Juan leave an indelible mark on the audience. As Paulina Salas, Malavé is particularly captivating. She brings a profound depth of emotion, pain, and trauma to her portrayal of a woman grappling with her dark past. Guillermo Iván and Sandor Juan also deliver powerful performances as Gerardo Escobar and Roberto Miranda, respectively. Iván’s portrayal of Gerardo strikes a delicate balance between vulnerability and strength, while Juan’s Roberto exudes an unsettling charm that keeps the audience doubtful and on edge. Together, the trio brings Ariel Dorfman’s intense narrative to life, making the difficult storylines all the more impactful.
The writing and direction are sharp and focused, ensuring that the complex themes of justice, memory, and truth are handled with the care they deserve. The play masterfully explores themes of trauma, revenge, and the complex search for truth and reconciliation in the wake of unspeakable horrors. Rodrigo Escalante’s setting heightens the tension and unease of the narrative. It creates an intimate and charged atmosphere, immersing the audience in the story.
La Muerte y La Doncella plays at Repertorio Español (138 East 27th Street) until Sunday, August 11. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://repertorio.nyc/show/1515/la-muerte-y-la-doncella
Photos by Michael Palma Mir.