On September 26th, the Mi Estilo staff and I were fortunate enough  to check out the Mah-Dey Theatre/Matrix Theatre Company production of Josefina Lopez’ Confessions of Women From East L.A directed by Matrix alum Maria “Lulu” Serratos. I was already familiar with the movie version of Real Women Have Curves—one of her other works—which included a yet unknown America Ferrra.  I expected varied depictions of Latina women and I was right.

There were such memorable characters as: Dr. Marquez-Bernstein, Ph.D, who portrayed strong professional Latina women; Doña Concepcion, a recent widow that realized not only that she caught AIDS from her husband but also that she was a lesbian; Lolita Corazon, the tease that became one because of her rape; Yoko Martinez, a young Latina trying to get a job at a Japanese restaurant; Tiffany, a Latina with a Mexican mother and an Anglo father that claimed her idea of what it is to be Latina; and, certainly not least, Doña Florinda, a woman that lost her whole family life due to an addiction to telenovelas (Spanish language soap operas).  The characters are pathetic, inspiring, thought-provoking and, above all, memorable.

For me, it was my first time inside of Matrix Theatre, located on Bagley near St. Anne and tucked in the heart of Mexicantown.  It’s unassuming exterior underlies the type of theater productions that I would associate with a place like L.A.  In a way, it’s ironic that they put on a performance of one of Lopez’ works—someone that is tied into the L.A area Latino theater community.  This was an excellent way to tie in the two to show what great stuff is coming out of L.A, as well as Detroit’s capacity to put on great community theater productions.

I can speak for myself here when I say that I look forward to whatever Serratos or Matrix will put on.  It is inspiring to me, as a Latino, to see diverse depictions of Latinos that capture the full spectrum of our emotions and experiences, while showcasing our homegrown talent.  Do yourself a favor, stop by Matrix Theatre and support this community treasure. Let’s show that world what we, Michigan Latinos, can do.

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Author: José A. Rodríguez