 E-mail Story Print Friendly
|
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Adapted 'Ultima' Debuts on N.M. Stage at Vortex
By Aurelio Sanchez
Journal Staff Writer
Acclaimed New Mexico author Rudolfo Anaya will be watching the New Mexico theatrical premiere of his adaptation of "Bless Me, Ultima," his iconic 1972 coming-of-age novel.
Though he has written other scripts for plays produced in New Mexico, this is his first adaptation of "Bless Me Ultima," the critically acclaimed novel that catapulted his career and earned him the title from Tony Hillerman as "Godfather of Chicano Literature."
"It's going to be a lot of fun to see these characters come to life through the magic of theater," Anaya said of the Vortex Theatre presentation of his stage adaptation.
"The story of 'Bless Me, Ultima' is engraved in the hearts and soul of all New Mexicans," said Vallie Marie Rivera, who is directing the play. "It's a genuine New Mexican story that is universal in appeal."
"Bless Me, Ultima" is about the coming of age of a young Mexican-American boy, Antonio, who struggles to find his identity and destiny as he comes to grips with questions of life, death, family and the supernatural. Ultima, his caretaker and teacher, shows him that tragedy can be overcome by magic in a person's heart.
Anaya said the play was performed for the first time a year ago by a Denver theater group, where "it had great success."
Anaya said he came back from the Denver production, revised the script and presented it to the Vortex Board, which decided to stage the play's New Mexico premiere.
"I had to cut down the characters and scenes for the stage version, but I think the interesting thing about theater is that instead of a reader imagining the characters and action, you can now see it on stage," Anaya said.
Director Rivera said the production will employ a range of video, dance, music and puppetry to express Anaya's adaptation of his book.
"It's an opportunity to see and live through Tony's adventures, struggles and his quest to understand Ultima's teachings ... as he grows to understand and appreciate the differences in people, religion and family," Rivera said.
If you go
WHAT: "Bless Me, Ultima"
WHEN: March 26-April 25, at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 6 p.m. Sundays. Preview at 8 p.m. Thursday, March 25. Pay what you will on March 28. Talkback with the author and director on April 4. Friday, March 26 performance is sold out
WHERE: Vortex Theatre, 2004 1/2 E. Central
HOW MUCH: $15, call 247-8600 or go to www.vortexabq.org. Student-rush tickets $10 with ID, available five minutes before curtain
| We do not publish all comments, and we do not publish comments immediately. |
|
|
