BWW Interviews: Macha Theatre's Odalys Nanin By Steve Peterson

Love Struck - An Interview with Macha Theatre's Odalys Nanin

By Steve Peterson

Tell us a bit about Love Struck.

Marie Barrientos and I were in a relationship when we started writing Love Struck. The story developed as the relationship grew. It was wonderful team work, what Marie and I had back then. We still do actually. Just last night, Marie and I were discussing other possible re-writes. This play is like our child that we nurture and guide to be better and better each time. The opportunity to enhance the play with new ideas makes my directing it fresh and fun! (I speak for myself of course.) I've added media to the play and I've re-blocked it. I'm using the back scrim throughout the play as a gauze that separates the two characters. This time around we have a beautiful new set as well, and new lighting. The two actresses that I'm directing, Ivet Corvea as Rachel and Lola Anthony as Laura, fell in love with the script and are thrilled to be doing it.

How did you come up with the idea for Love Struck? And when?

I first directed, produced and acted in it in 1997. As I said, I was in love and in a creative relationship when I wrote it. Marie and I wanted to write a scene for The Gay & Lesbian Center Fundraising night. So we wrote the toy scene and showcased it at the fundraiser. People loved it so much they asked us to write more. This play was also the catalyst for us forming a group called Latina Theatre Works!

When you first wrote the play, were there other playwrights in the LA theater community writing plays with specific to the lesbian experience?

Not really. No one was writing culturally driven Latina Lesbian plays. In fact, what made us write it was the fact that there were none.

How has Los Angeles theater evolved since you first wrote LOVE STRUCK?

When we first wrote Love Struck, we were told no one would be interested in seeing a Latina Lesbian play as opposed to a white Lesbian play. I was told there are no venues or audiences for it. I laughed and decided to prove them wrong. I directed and produced Love Struck at the Hudson Theatre for the first time, and it was sold out every night! When there's a good story, people will come and see it.

Did you have any mentors along the way, people who encouraged you to write, perform, direct?

The stage reading was by invitation from Bob Schrock who was the artistic director of Celebration Theatre. He encouraged me to produce it. He also gave us some notes and really got me excited about doing it. Then in 2009, Bob and I co-produced his hit play Naked Boys Singing at my theatre. It was a great collaboration.

What other plays have you written that are audience favorites?

I've written nine plays to date but the favorites are Garbo's Cuban Lover, Skin of Honey, Marilyn-My Secret (co-written with Willard Manus) and Love Struck (co-written with Marie Barrientos).

What were your considerations in the decision to revive Love Struck?

It's a play close to my heart. It's a two character play so it's intimate. The story is still very relevant to our times. And most importantly, it deals with universal love!

Besides directing and producing the revival of Love Struck, are you currently working on any new projects - - and if so, what?

I'm writing a new play which deals with the last days of Frida Kahlo's life: What she was feeling, thinking and wanting. It's an inside look into the soul of an artist. I believe she took her life and who can really blame her. I find it fascinating how she was able to overcome such pain and adversity through painting.

Anything else I didn't ask about Love Struck that you want readers to know?

This is the first time that I'm not performing the role of Laura in the play. It's interesting to see it with a different eye as I direct it. Also, I'm older and a bit wiser. I can now understand better the choices I made then. However, it still touches my heart and it still makes me laugh! This play is full of love, truth and is very genuine. I believe the audience will identify with both characters and be touched by them.

There's nothing like live theatre!

For more about LOVE STRUCK, Ms. Nanin or the Macha Theatre please visit www.machatheatre.org.