AN UNFORGETTABLE THEATRICAL JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE AND EMPOWERMENT: "ROTTEN APPLE" PREMIERES AT THE HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL

Rotten Apple

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[[Los Angeles, June 3, 2023]

A riveting tale of resilience and the transformative power of art is set to take center stage at the Hollywood Fringe Festival. “Rotten Apple,” a one-woman show written and performed by the Dominican Artist and Performer Mariela Castillo, under the direction of award winning Debra De Liso opens on June 3.

Audiences will embark on a journey with 14-year-old, the poetic, naive Sela, as she navigates the challenges of sexual assault and condemnation from her church. Fueled by her indomitable spirit, Sela summons the strength to create a painted portal to a new world, where she finds solace, laughter, and the courage to confront her oppressors.

As a burgeoning visual artist, Sela begins to see the dynamic interplay between light and darkness and finds a passion for painting- but is forbidden to express herself as an artist. As she is shunned in her room away from the chastising townspeople, she finds expression through drawing in her solitude. Through her brush strokes and the power of her voice, Sela redefines her own life story, reclaiming her identity and rewriting the future for herself.

“Rotten Apple” draws inspiration from Mariela’s true story, unfolding bravely and poignantly – but always with a touch of fiery humor. Through wit and resilience, Sela encounters her future self, engaging in a wrestling match with God “herself,” and fearlessly takes down the domineering Pastor who has oppressed her and her mother for far too long. Their liberation becomes a beacon of hope, ending generations of female powerlessness and healing deep-seated wounds.

The premiere of “Rotten Apple” at the Hollywood Fringe Festival is June 3.

Performance dates:
Saturday June 03 – 3:30 pm
Friday June 09 – 9:00 pm
Wednesday June 14 – 5:00 pm
Saturday June 17 – 8:00 pm
Sunday June 25 – 12:30 pm

Venue: The Broadwater Studio, 6322 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038.
We hope you join us for an unforgettable theatrical experience that will leave you inspired, invigorated, and eager to engage in meaningful conversations about resilience, empowerment, and the triumph of the human spirit.

For press inquiries, interview requests, and additional information, please contact:

Name: Mariela Castillo
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 310.633.1642

About Mariela Castillo:
Mariela Castillo is a Dominican Artist and Performer, known for her remarkable talent and ability to channel raw emotions into transformative art. With “Rotten Apple,” Mariela’s true story becomes a powerful vehicle to shed light on issues of sexual assault, religious condemnation, and the reclamation of female power.

About Debra De Liso:
Debra De Liso is a critically acclaimed, award winning director. She has taught solo performance and improv at USC and AADA for over 20 years. She won the Rainbow Award from the LA Women;s Theatre Festival for her work with forgotten communities. She has delighted in directing several plays for the HFF, and working with Mariela has been pure joy.