Path of Marigolds
My sister found out about this play, “Path of Marigolds,” showing at Blue Star Arts Complex. Jump Start Performance group supported this performance. Jump Start is
dedicated to the discovery and support of new ideas in the arts and arts education. By encouraging visionary thought and non-traditional approaches, Jump-Start is committed to the creation of art that is a lasting voice of diverse cultures and communities.
My mom, my sister and myself went to check out this performance on Friday night. What a wonderful performance!
Ariana, a mid life woman contemplating about a divorce, is preparing dinner for her best friend, Consuelo, and her “imaginary guests.” Ariana was celebrating “Dia de Los Muertos” (Day of the Dead). Dia de Los Muertos is an important day in the Mexican culture. It is a day to remember those who have passed on. Ariana was remembering Marilyn Monroe, Frida Kahlo, and Sor Juana Inez de la Cruz (17th century nun).
The play is centered around the fact that Ariana needed some advice. Her husband abused her and cheated on her so she was ready for a divorce. However, he kept calling her to apologize and wanted her back. She didn’t know what to do. Consuelo was persistent on her leaving him.
While Consuelo and Ariana were drinking and getting ready for dinner, they received a knock at the door. It was Marilyn. Shortly thereafter, Frida and Sor Juana arrived. It was a very interesting mix.
Marilyn, although a Hollywood sex symbol, never felt that she found true love. She divorced three times.
Frida was a Mexican artist. She was married to another artist, Diego. She loved Diego inspite of him cheating on her with her own sister.
Sor Juana was a feminist, playright and poet. She found love but he wanted her to quit her studies and support a family. She decided to become a nun so she could continue her studies.
They all had interesting advice for Ariana. At the end of the performance, we discovered that Consuelo was the one that Ariana’s husband was cheating on her with. Shocking! (although I sensed this in the beginning of the play)
It is really sad and you wonder how people could do this to someone, much less your close friend. Yet, it happens all the time.
It’s unfortunate because how do you teach someone not to be naive? I tend to trust people until they have proven themselves untrustworthy. But then you are setting yourself up for being hurt. I guess that’s the risk you take, huh?