The receptionist, a drug performer, suggests that Lolita needs to prepare for her task by pretending to shoot a drug version of each of the seven board members. Conveniently, they have a golden glitter-coated prop gun in a convenient drawer, which she can use in their playlets. The receptionist then provides a great interpretation of each member — dance and lip synchronization, perfect makeup.
Demented, vibrant and properly angry, Verez Melendez’s plays are borrowed from European absurd theaters such as Jarry and Jennet’s plays, as well as Latin American Surrealist traditions. The show is less often held in the office than in a shimmering theater, according to director David Mendizabal, who designed the uncontrollable outfit. Is this true? Is it important? Oh! They are playing “Spice Up Your Life”.
“Memo” is strange in its aesthetics, if not in its form. Drag personas appear one after another in an orderly manner, and the scene has a certain identity. But this play challenges Calmera and La Perdida to negotiate realism, fantasy, and everything in between. It’s a challenge they’re willing to accept, and even in irrational and bizarre situations, they sometimes find something that really appeals to them. And of course, it’s fun to see La Perdida appear every time you wake up. (This could probably be as exciting a show behind the scenes as the action behind the scenes (wigs, makeup, desperate wearing and stripping of costumes).)
Ultimately, Vélez Meléndez cares less about political influence than personal identity. Will Lolita accomplish a mass slaughter? perhaps! Will she direct her receptionist to self-determination? I have a question now.
The lesson of “notes” that Lolita briefly mentioned is both provocation and invitation. “The decolonization journey begins on our own!” Few can have a meaningful impact on Puerto Rico’s financial crisis and the pesky journey towards nation or independence. But can we shake it or shake it? Can we be self-governing in our private lives? “Memo” shows that you can do it if you have enough glitter.
Note on the killing of seven members of the Monitoring, Management and Economic Stability Commission
Until June 19th at the SoHo Repertory Theater in Manhattan. sohorep.org.. Execution time: 1 hour 35 minutes.
