29th Play - Arbolito by Raul Garza
Picture from playwright’s website
This one has not had a production yet, but it should! Maybe your company should do it!!! It was the 2021 Finalist for the Blue Ink Award at American Blues Theater.
Summary: “In a remote Southwestern desert town, tough-hearted Esther scrapes by as proprietor of the family motel alongside her idealistic niece, Octavia. In addition to the crumbling motel, their property is home to a sacred and magical tree, Arbolito, that thrives in an environment it should not endure. When Arbolito begins to wither, its roots expose long-buried secrets. And as their beliefs and shared truths unravel, Esther and Octavia must choose between saving a vanishing past or embracing an uncertain future.” From New Play Exchange.
Laura’s thoughts in brief: In his notes, the playwright states, “This play explores the tension between nature and industry - on many levels.” It’s so true, and it’s not an easy question. Octavia introduces herself to the audience with this very revealing statement: “We are not too dumb to understand environmental patriarchy, environmental...“terrorism.” Just too poor.” As a reader/audience member, I’m obviously rooting (pun intended?) for them to save Arbolito (the tree, who is literally an unspeaking character in the play, losing leaves as the play goes on). But recognition of the industry that will help the town is also an issue. Sigh, it’s complicated. But that’s good theatre! I LOVED that the play was mostly very female-focused, with three strong Latina characters. The only character I didn’t really like was Hollis, the white industrialist, but even he has some moments and surprises that I didn’t anticipate, that keep him from being wholly two-dimensional. There are also some mysteries that unravel as the play progresses, and keep us wondering and interested. Octavia’s missing mother Paula is the big one, and we see her speaking throughout the play - is she a ghost? Why is she missing? I love magical realism in all plays, but I did find that the idea that Esther needed to do and say hurtful things to people in the community, in order to provide the tears that Arbolito needs to live, stretched my suspension of disbelief a bit (not that the tree needed tears, that she would do that as a solution). Overall, though, a good play. Not mine to be in or direct, but I would absolutely support and go see - as a matter of fact, I would very much like to see a production of it! Hear that, Chicago!
READ MORE! There have only been readings so we have no reviews, however, read more about the playwright:
https://howlround.com/how-magical-realism-can-make-climate-change-matter