Fringe reviews: Oedipus at FDR, Pichet Klunchun and Myself, Ballad Boys, Stuporwoman, Vampire Lesbians of Sodom, Geografia intima

September 05, 2008
(Page 4 of 4)

Artistic Director Elba Hevia y Vaca describes this production as a multi-part exploration of Latino female archetypes. Some of the danced figures (like Eva Arriaga's Indian-inflected High Priestess and Jenny Lyn Bascos' terminally seductive Witch) are clear and effective, others less so. But this symbolic underpinning often impedes the actual dancing, which is superb.

Geografia intima makes inventive use of its spectacular venue, the soaring Sanctuary of the Fleisher Art Memorial, further transformed by Adal Maldonado's video landscapes. The segments are presented on four mini-stages, the audience proceding from site to site. This format can be intriguing, but the cast members who act as dancing ushers are distracting.

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Ultimately, what makes Geografia intima a must-see is the extremely high caliber of its performers, including the three instrumentalists (on upright bass, keyboard and percussion), who seem equally at home playing in several styles, and the extraordinary singers: Venissa Santi, who provides haunting Afro-Cuban and jazz vocals, and the achingly beautiful flamenco sounds of Barbara Martinez.    - Nancy G. Heller

$20. 7 tonight and tomorrow. At the Samuel S. Fleisher Art Memorial, 719 Catherine St.

 

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