Five independent Latinas are coming to City College to show that real women do, in fact, have curves.
The theatrical production of “Real Women Have Curves” will open this Friday at the Jurkowitz theatre, West Campus.
“We’ve been wanting to do more Latino plays,” said Director Katie Laris. “It’s one of the most-performed Chicano plays in the country, so we’re hoping to do a good job.”
This sassy comedy, written by Josefina Lopez in 1990, explores the struggles of escaping immigration as well as the laughter and gossip that keep these strong women hard working.
Five women must work together in a tiny sewing factory in Los Angeles in order to support themselves while hiding from immigration.
Together they must learn to celebrate and embrace the beauty of their full figures and escape the obstacles that come their way.
Set in 1987, the play also explores some controversial topics. “Some of the issues are troubles for undocumented workers,” Laris said, “as well as women’s body image and self-esteem.” She added domestic abuse is also addressed in the play. The cast consists of approximately 50 people including those working backstage.
The actors onstage are Lydia Blanco as Estela, Bernadita Bordagorry as Rosali, Tina D’Marco as Carmen, Ramona Gonzales as Pancha and Mina May as Ana.
Recruiting was also necessary for this production and 40 ‘full-figured’ women lined up for auditions in Los Angeles.
Three were chosen to take on the roles of these fiery Latinas.
HBO films and LaVoo productions collaborated to make “Real Women Have Curves” into a spectacular film released in 2002 that included actors such as America Ferrera, Lupe Ontiveros, and George Lopez.
Although no one in the cast is a student at City College student Mina May, a UCSB student, was chosen to be a part of the cast playing the role of Ana.
“The play is all about women being able to stand on their own two feet,” May said.
Actors preparing for this production had to take sewing lessons, gain weight, and rehearse 25 hours per week, including weekends.
Despite the hard work and grueling hours or practice Laris said the most enjoyable thing about the production is “working with people committed to the process.”
“We want people to laugh, sympathize and empathize with the characters,” Laris said.
She also hopes that by viewing the performance, people will want to become a part of the theater program at SBCC.
