Witty, sharp and engaging play exploring the stereotypes of being a LatinX individual, specifically in the arts world.

This collaboration between Mariana Aristizabal Pardo & Malena Arcucci (MarianaMalena Theatre Company) and Guido García Lueches is an absolute delight. First conceived in 2019, based on poems and questions Guido had from their experience as a migrant actor, it’s evolved to be an immersive, extremely fun and thought-provoking play.

The plot is explored through a variety of means – casting calls, lecture style interactions with the audience and musical renditions – and it’s impossible not to stay engaged throughout. Guido was the ideal facilitator encouraging the audience to laugh at the politically incorrect, when we felt slightly awkward and whenever the message was becoming a little too close to ‘logical’ (serious and tough to hear). They kept the energy high and the story flowing.

I hadn’t been sure what to expect from the show but instead I was treated to an entertaining but thoughtful expose on the entertainment industry and the stereotypes migrant actors and those from different cultures face in the UK (specifically LatinX individuals). However, this may seem like a very tough topic to deal with and instead it was handled in an very light jovial manner – encouraging the audience to draw their own conclusions and thoughts on the injustice of the situation.

This charming play running just under an hour was over too soon – I wanted to stay bonding, laughing and interacting with Guido for as long as I could. My companion was in continuous hysterics and through it’s charm, it successfully shines light on a less than savoury experience for actors looking to break out of the stereotypes the arts is quick to impose on them.