“A spirited, socially-charged fable that sometimes stumbles in execution but soars in heart and purpose.“
Folklorica, produced by Climate Action Productions, is a powerful and imaginative tale that blends magical realism with urgent social commentary. Written, directed, and produced by Jade Alvara, the play reimagines the Latina fairytale through the lens of environmentalism, class struggle, and feminism.
Set against the smog and sweat of the industrial revolution, Folklorica follows Mira (Nicole Schretlen Montes), a young Latina factory worker navigating exploitation, pregnancy, and the supernatural. Alongside a resilient ensemble of women, she faces the grim realities of overwork, harassment, and survival until a mystical healer in the forest offers an escape into a dreamlike underworld where time, magic, and morality blur.
The production’s strength lies in its unapologetic energy and the authenticity of its Latina identity. The all-Latinx cast delivers heartfelt performances, with standout moments from Montes as the tender yet fierce Mira and Jade Alvara’s earthy portrayal of Mama Milagra. The camaraderie between the women feels genuine, capturing both the humour and heartbreak of collective struggle.
However, Folklorica’s ambition sometimes works against it. The dialogue can feel rushed, with emotional beats occasionally lost in shouting or quick pacing. Certain story turns (like the sudden pregnancy reveal or the healer’s acceptance of a morally conflicted choice) verge on cliché or lack the depth they deserve. Narrative lines of argumentation such as: “Abortion is a sin — but I need help — oh, okay,” flatten what could have been a nuanced moral conflict.
Thematically, the play grapples with trust and betrayal, particularly in its portrayal of men. From the manipulative factory boss who started as a suitor whose charm fades quickly (“A prize like you needs to be claimed”), Folklorica raises questions about male power and exploitation, though at times it leans into archetype. The transformation of a demon, the only male character, into a pig, for instance, is effective in symbolism but somewhat heavy-handed in delivery.
Despite its uneven moments, Folklorica is a brave and vital production. It celebrates Latina resilience, critiques systems of exploitation, and reclaims the fairytale as a space for rebellion and renewal. With its blend of grit, humour, and magic, the play stands as both a protest and a promise that Latin American voices will continue to be heard, and their stories, however fantastical, will speak truth to power.