What I liked
From the moment I stepped into the theater, the scene was set. I loved the family photos hanging at the entrance and the boxes on stage. The bilingual aspect of the show so accurately illustrated the language barriers and cultural differences between father and son. Spanish is such a poetic language that lends itself so easily to powerful storytelling. The moments in Spanish brought both laughter and tears. Christopher is a skilled and gifted storyteller and I felt as if he was speaking directly to me. His vulnerability, bravery, and eloquent words kept me engaged and invested throughout the entire show. I appreciated the energy of continuous discovery in this piece; it felt so fluid and visceral. Christopher’s father is also hilarious and whenever he speaks, the room listens.
What I didn't like
I loved the show just as it was. I imagine if Christopher wants to develop it further, there are opportunities to dive into moments even deeper. I think it would be powerful to not translate certain moments in Spanish. To let the audience just soak in the energy of the interaction/conversation. To allow the broken lines of communication and attempts to connect hang in the air.
My overall impression
This show was singular in what it attempted to do and its execution. First of all, the title of the show, Habla y te Salvas is wonderful and encapsulates the themes of the show so beautifully. It’s very hard to play with form in a way that feels different than anything an audience member has seen before. This show does just that. There were so many aspects of the show that I found relatable to my own life as a child of immigrants-language barriers, cultural differences, machismo, strained familial relationships, and hope that despite it all-connection and love can be nurtured.
