Review: ESPEJOS: CLEAN at Capital Stage

Capital Stage once again demonstrates its dedication to producing works that illuminate the intricacies of human relationships. Christine Quintana’s Espejos: Clean is a powerful production that explores assumptions and identity through storytelling in both English and Spanish. Director Dena Martinez relies on the strength of the script, capturing the characters' authentic experiences of tension, misunderstanding, and the stark contrast between privilege and need.

The play is set in a luxury resort in Mexico, using its opulent surroundings to reinforce themes of inequality and assumptions. The two characters, Adriana (Sarita Ocón) and Sarah (Stephanie Altholz), are a study in the dichotomy of haves and have-nots: one, a hotel housekeeping manager; the other, a comfortable Canadian tourist. At first glance, that’s exactly how they seem. Adriana’s options were limited as she escaped an abusive environment. A job in glamorous Cancun, surrounded by wealth, seemed perfect for her younger, idealistic self. Now that she has experience behind her and the glitz of the pristine property has worn off, she feels even more invisible to everyone who passes through her rooms. That is, until Sarah arrives at the resort for her sister’s destination wedding. As the title suggests, they are more alike than they appear. As they begin to peel back layers and expose vulnerabilities, it’s as if they’re looking into espejos (mirrors) despite their different circumstances.

Ocón delivers her monologues almost entirely in Spanish, segueing to English periodically in scenes that emphasize the frustration and disparity between her two worlds. She cuts a mature figure that has been shaped by hardship and resilience. Altholz is always compelling, and her turn as Sarah is no exception. Their performances feel authentic, showing the complexities of people trying to navigate trauma and self-reflection. What makes the experience especially compelling is how they reveal the contradiction within their characters. Every interaction is rife with intention, and nothing feels out of place. A surprising treat is the humor peppered throughout the seriousness, particularly in the second act.

Espejos: Clean continues to show Capital Stage’s commitment to thoughtful artistic presence. Their work is consistently rewarding and enriching, and this show stands as another testament to excellence. It gleams with creativity and insight: another one not to be missed.

Espejos: Clean plays at Capital Stage through June 7th. More information and tickets may be found online at Capstage.org, by telephone at (916) 995-5464, or in person at the Box Office at 2215 J Street in Sacramento.

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