The play La Gringa by Carmen Rivera was a pleasantly surprising experience. When we began to discuss the topics that would be covered in the play, I felt that I might not enjoy it because feeling like a “gringa” was not something I had experienced. However, it was very nice to see how for others this is not the case and they have to deal with this from their own family. I enjoyed seeing how Maria handled the passive aggressiveness from her aunt and at times even from Iris. She had to learn how to navigate feeling like an outsider in the land that she considers part of her identity. I can relate to feeling a bit self conscious at times about not knowing certain sayings or slang, however, I have always felt comfortable enough to ask my family and friends to help me out. It is difficult to stay connected to your own culture after being far away from its natural state, however, it is not impossible.
One thing I enjoyed about the play was the descriptions through actions and quotes from the characters. I thought it was amazing that through such little details, I was able to imagine these scenes like a movie. For this reason, I was a bit underwhelmed from the stage performance. I felt like the lack of props and scenery dampened the expectations I had based off how I had imagined the scenes. One scene I had higher expectations for was the tree scene. I felt like the sounds and the projector were not enough for the visuals. One thing I did like about the set up of the live performance was that it was easier for the emotion to be conveyed by watching it live. Iris is the perfect example of this. I disliked her from reading the play but watching the play made me like her. I understood that her remarks were to lighten the mood and be funny instead of snarky and bully-like. The live performance also made me like Maria more because her curiosity was much more relatable. She seemed more authentic than what I had pictured her to be. I wish I had watched the live performance first to read the play from a different point of view. This experience showed me the magic that comes with storytelling and how our imaginations may be more vivid than real life.
The live performance changed how I viewed the written script because it was able to bring life to the words on the paper. The performance helped my imagination and interpretation of the play work together to digest each live scene. I was able to understand the emotions that were being conveyed to a better extent than by just reading the script. I was able to feel the unity when the family was together at the end, as well as the anguish when Maria wanted to go home. I think that Rivera did an amazing job at creating a story that many people can relate to. I also admire the fact that this is not based off of something that happened in Rivera’s life but rather off of one interaction. The story is raw and authentic to the experience that many Latinx people experience.
Hi Angie, I definitely agree with your response! I wanted to touch on the passive aggressiveness from both her aunt and cousin Iris. I feel like, especially from Iris, this passivity is tied to jealousy. In Hispanic culture it’s easy for people to assume a better life in America with better opportunities than their home countries. Most are jealous of those who live in America and equate it with wealth. Iris, especially, wanted to explore this and move away. I think in connection to this though, the author’s portrayal of moving away when you’re Hispanic is accurate. Iris’ mom did not want her to leave her side, something common in our culture. This toxic mentality and way of thinking strips us from opportunities we would have otherwise. I’ve noticed this a lot, especially in conversations with my white boyfriend. I’ll recall an instance when I was younger where I was limited from doing something, an example being my middle school prom. My dad wouldn’t let me go unless he chaperoned, something embarrassing to me and that ultimately stopped me from even purchasing the ticket. When I told my boyfriend this he was confused and shocked at how limited my childhood was. I hope that when it comes my time to raise my kids I will never stop them from having the opportunities I wish I was supported on growing up.