Alameda Theatre Company continues its effort in bringing Toronto audiences stories that are reflective of Latin-American culture. Their latest production, Chile Con Carne, takes us back in time to Vancouver. Where we meet, eight-year-old Manuelita, whose family has recently moved here from Chile. Manuelita is determined to save Cedar, her tree. Inspired by her parents recent experience as political refugees from Chile, Manuelita recruits her new friends from school to campaign with her at all costs.
This solo act is a very dark comedy, which not only paints a portrait of childhood innocence stained by political turmoil, disco dancing lessons, being an immigrant, and the struggle to fit in. Paloma Nuñez does a really wonderful job in portraying Manuelita’s own turmoil as well as her ups-and-downs. Children find ways to cope with trauma, be it their own or their families, and Manuelita is no different. Her wishes to fit in, wanting to be like her parents, wanting to look different are themes that drive this play.
The lighting, set design and music also add to the comedic yet tragic aspects of this story. The backdrop looks exactly like drawings we’d see in a grade four class… sunny and hopeful. On it, images of Chilean political leaders and Manuelita’s abuela (grandmother) are projected. These help the audience understand the underlying themes in this story. An excellent team effort, led by Marilo Nuñez.
On a personal note, I am not a child product of exiled parents. But I emigrated to Canada as a child and do remember what it was like being the ‘new kid’, not knowing how to speak the language very well, and trying to fit in as best as possible. Chile Con Carne may be set in a very specific time with specific cultural references; nonetheless, the characters, the story, and the themes cross the lines of culture. A look around the theatre confirmed my opinion that this story transcends the notions of culture… that it also encapsules humanity in a way that anyone can relate to Manuelita, her parents, their struggles, and their longing for their homeland. I also think this story is relevant today given that most of us occupy foreign lands.
Una nota personal: No soy producto del exilio pero conozco lo que es ser una niña imigrante… El no entender muy bien el idioma local, lo que es no pertencer aquí ni en mi país nativo. Esta obra, Chile Con Carne, presenta temas y realidades que han vivido muchos que por una razón u otra dejaron sus países. Manuelita, apenas de ocho años, nos explica muy bien lo que es sentirse extraño y triste en lugares desconocidos. Y a la vez, nos enseña que no debemos olvidar nuestros origines, nuestra familia; todo lo que forma parte de cada uno de nosotros. Se las recomiendo mucho.
** This review also appears on Heidy’s own page Hye’s Musings.