CHELA

"Chela" is an entrancing story, beautifully performed by Dulce Maria Solis. She masters these people, takes her time without slowing the pace, and embraces all the laughter and horror of what must be a hard story to tell: her mother's sexual awakening after years of emotional and physical danger. If you enjoy quality storytelling, book your tickets and don't miss "Chela." ... full review

I loved this show in so many different ways and for so many different reasons. From an audience perspective, it is an intensely emotional, moving, horrifying, funny, sweet, roller-coaster of an experience to see this show. One of the most powerful shows I've seen in a good while. From a theatre-making perspective, I love this show for it's skillful blend of filmed elements and of props and costumes to bring a whole life, a whole world to the stage. Also for its beautifully-crafted script. And for the energetic staging— Dulce Maria fills the stage and the blocking beautifully communicates movement through different times and places. From an acting perspective, the abandon with which Dulce Maria portrays Chela and the other characte... full review

I am so glad I got a chance to see Chela at the Fringe Festival. It is an amazing true story performed by the beautiful and talented Dulce Maria Solis. Dulce Maria is actually Chela's daughter in real life. She bravely tells and her mother's tale, skillfully playing at least a dozen different characters who had key roles in her life. The show is at times difficult to watch, but it is a personal story and tells the truth about the impact of harrowing domestic violence and rape with grace, poetry and vulnerability. There are feelings we must face and realities we must honor; that is what great art does and what Chela helps us to do. Dulce shares very intimate and painful moments, but also shares the funny ones as well as the incredible... full review

Chela is one of the best plays I have seen in a long time. The blend of comedy and drama was so well mixed that you forget that it's a comedy when being dramatic and vice versa. Dulce's ability to change persona's on the drop of a dime is what captivated me. She has exceptional comedic timing and rolls from one character to another seamlessly. This being based on a true story draws even emotion from you as a audience member as you try to imagine the hopelessness of Chela's situation. I hope that a lot of people get a chance to experience the show and understand just what a talent Dulce is and what a great story she has to tell.... full review