Bilingual Production Of THE HOUSE OF THE SPIRITS Opens at Mixed Blood 10/22

The often unjust politics of Latin America play out through three generations of the Trueba family in Caridad Svich's play, THE HOUSE OF THE SPIRITS / LA CASA DE LOS ESPíRITUS, based on the epic and unforgettable novel by Isabel Allende. Marcela Lorca (Caroline, or Change, Guthrie Theater) directs a bilingual cast of 12 in this haunting and magical journey, performed in English and Spanish and accessible to all via projected translations.

The bilingual premiere opens at Mixed Blood Theatre on October 22 and runs through November 14. Earlier versions of the play, while maintaining the novel's vibrant magical realism, have been produced either in English (currently on stage at Denver Center Theatre Company) or Spanish (the original play commissioned by Repertorio Español in 2006). Lorca, who came to the United States from Chile in 1983, says that the Mixed Blood production will be more rooted in Chilean culture. The play also features new scenographic projections and video by Miko Simmons and new songs by Victor Zupanc.

The family saga, spanning the 1920s through the 1970s, is told from the point of view of Alba (Christina Acosta Robinson), the youngest of the three generations of women. The swirling memories, frightening and amusing, lyrical and fantastic, illuminate the stage as Alba records her family's history and ultimately finds the strength to survive within her own story. The play has been hailed as "a bold and daring theatre piece that captures the force and sensuality of Allende's vision through Caridad Svich's unique poetic spirit."

Lorca, whose own family left in the middle of Chile's sociopolitical turmoil, says that this is a difficult chapter for her to revisit, but nevertheless is grateful to Svich for "tackling the task." While Allende's story at times deals with oppression and tyranny, Lorca says, "Isabel is first and foremost a great artist. Even though there are politics, she brings an incredible humanity and open-mindedness to the events. She weaves them into something that becomes universal, full of heart and strength." In directing the play, Lorca says that she stays true to Allende's focus on memory and imagination by exploring, "How would the characters visualize these events; not how did they really happen?"

Also appearing in THE HOUSE OF THE SPIRITS are Isabelle Ortega (Clara), Amaya Alonso Hallifax (Rosa/Blanca), Dario Tangelson (Esteban Trueba), Jason Rojas (Esteban Garcia), Cristina Castro (Pancha), Nora Montañez (Nivea/Transito Soto), ChariTy Jones (Ferula/Count of Satigny), Raúl Ramos (Severo/Pedro Garcia/Father Antonio), Ricardo Vázquez (Pedro Tercero), Hazel Cutting and Scarlett Thompson (both as Young Clara). The artistic team includes Tom Barrett (scenic design), Karin Olson (lighting) and Cana Potter (costumes).

A preview of THE HOUSE OF THE SPIRITS will be held Thursday, October 21 at 7:30 p.m.; the show opens Friday, October 22 at 7:30 p.m. Performances are Wednesdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. with 3:00 p.m. matinees on Sundays. All performances are at Mixed Blood's historic firehouse theatre at 1501 S. 4th St., Minneapolis. Tickets are $10-$28 (with opening night at $15). Groups, senior and student prices are offered. Weekday matinees for student and other groups are also available. Tickets are available at 612-338-6131 or online at www.mixedblood.com.