Julia is the backbone of her family: Father, Baby, Millie, and Ruth, their mother. Millie no longer lives under that roof. Baby is still in High School. Their dad is an alcoholic. We never see him. Mama is chronically ill with fibromyalgia. Julia is dating an older man, Nene. They have known each other since childhood. Nene wants Julia to marry him, but she bears the brunt of keeping them all afloat. She cannot bring herself to abandon her family. As Curse of the Puerto Ricans opens, they have gathered for the Christmas holidays.
In some ways Julia is trapped. She’s the only one willing to get anything done. The only one with a job. Sister Millie left some time ago, to pursue a career. Baby only complains when asked to pitch in. Ruth ignores even small tasks, such as making sure the bills are paid, cooking, dealing with their dad. Julia wants a life of her own, but cannot bring herself to start a life with Nene. He observes as long as she makes excuses, they’ll never step up and help out. Millie had to leave when she could, if she had any hope at happiness.
In a crushing turn of events, Papa dies just before Christmas. The funeral occurs on Christmas Eve Day, and Ruth is in a foul mood. Nene shows up impetuously, proposing to Julia with everyone there. He even sweeps her up to dance. But she refuses to answer, when he put her on the spot. Mama has no use for Nene, or any guy that might take Julia away. Julia, Baby, Millie and Ruth sit at the kitchen table, drinking some “Holiday Cheer”. They do their best to cultivate the Christmas spirit, with gifts and a small (Charlie) Brown tree. Grievances are aired: despair, pain and anger. They navigate this long avoided minefield.
Written by Rosa Fernandez, Curse of the Puerto Ricans considers trying to thrive in a culture burdened with unreasonable, often harsh demands. Julia loves her family, but circumstances won’t let her truly assert herself. She can’t look away from the trainwreck, and it’s sapping her joy. Her self-esteem. She brushes off difficult subjects, trivial or crucial. She believes she must choose between caring, and finding some path to being her own woman. Whether or not by design, Julia (Mies Quatrino) is the most exquisite, and petite character. She stands so much smaller than the others, it feels like a statement. In the midst of the Rodriquez Family’s long night of the soul, she grapples with profound epiphanies, that lead her to confront them. In ways surprising even to us.
Director Dr. Marta Torres orchestrates this impressive cast, managing somber and wry content, with precision and heart. Her keen perception of the family dynamic, the exigencies and persistent, unspoken misery, make the story affecting and implacable. It’s no surprise that Bishop Arts has brought another poignant, unforgettable drama to their stage. Curse of the Puerto Ricans is beautifully realized, making the deep dive into issues we can all understand. Bringing daylight to the shadows of misunderstanding and sorrow.
Bishop Arts Theatre Center presents Curse of the Puerto Ricans, playing August 11th-28th, 2022. 214 South Tyler Street, Dallas, Texas 75208. 214-948-0716. www.bishopartstheatrecenter.org