In
Elizabeth Irwin’s powerful new play, four young men work as busboys in
the kitchen of an upscale New York restaurant. The leader is African American,
the other three Mexican, two of them illegal immigrants. While juggling delicate
entrees and demanding customers they jest and care for each other in a way only
those who face similar discrimination can achieve. Hey, these guys have to move
fast, work quickly and keep a cheery smile. We’ve seen them ourselves when
dining in fine restaurants. Or not really seen them as this play reminds us.
There is comedy, sure, but
underneath there is understanding of the unrealized dreams of the overlooked little
guys. To be underprivileged in the midst of wealth means that loyalty and
compassion for a brother is at the mercy of the master’s whim. In this case,
the owner has decided to cut their wages and let them live off meager tips.
This cruel decision creates the heart wrenching denouement because, when pitted
even against a brother, is there any other option than your own survival? 
Under Armando
Molina’s meticulous direction there are brilliant performances by Lawrence
Stallings, Richard
Azurdia, Peter Pasco and Pablo Castelblanco. Great theater reminds us of our
common humanity and, at a time when there are demands to close all borders against
those in need, this is an important statement.
At
The Fountain Theatre, 5060 Fountain Ave, at Normandie, Hollywood, through
June 26.
Tickets: (323) 663-1525 or www.FountainTheatre.com.
Note: Pay-What-You-Can every Monday night!
Photos by Ed Krieger.
Also reviewed in the May
issue of NOT BORN YESTERDAY.
No comments:
Post a Comment