Want a cheery tale about a young woman overcoming adversity to achieve all her dreams? Then go elsewhere. El Grito Del Bronx is a drama laden with emotional baggage, and insights into the twisted mind.  The play portrays Lulu, a young woman, and her brother’s life having grown up with an abusive father. She does alright, has a relatively happy ending for herself. The route there is not happy however, an abusive father, her brother… let’s say he gets into trouble. Everyone has their own way of dealing with the troubles of their lives, their mother visits her son brother often and relies on religion. Lulu on the other hand tries to ignore the past and prevent the dark miasma inside her from affecting those she loves.

The characters memories come and go. The mental effects of prison are made very clear. Both the victim and attacker have the chance to explain themselves. We all learn that death is needed for life to continue.

Not the type of play to see for a night of entertainment, though it does have moments where a chuckle is called for and necessary. At other times, you would be horribly embarrassed to break the silence even by a shift in your seat.

For more about the play’s fascinating director Antonio Sonera check out Ryan Fish TV.

The awesome cast and great writing made it well worth the evening spent. If you’re interested in seeing it you only have till April 25^th, 2009. Tickets are $14.

If it were coffee

It would be a very dark, bold, roast. Straight black for sure, not from a French press, but brewed from an old rickety 1970’s coffee maker. A deliciously fine coffee made rough.