REVIEW: Xquenda by Isabel Quiroz at Bread and Roses Theatre 22 – 26 August 2023

‘the play conjured a myriad of questions with some elements left unexplored’

The play begins with wonderfully atmospheric music, an intriguing stage setting with actors poised around a circle of forest debris, notes and letters. The initial image conjured a myriad of questions and set the tension which began to build in the first scene. Nicollah Sekete played the lead character with authenticity and passion taking us on an emotional journey to find out who killed her friend.  The staging became increasing chaotic as the play progressed with letters and poems mingled with the debris already in position which reflected the reality of the attempts of the main character’s search for the truth. Unfortunately, some of the story contained unnecessary repetition particularly as the play seemed to end a couple of times and there were several characters played by Isabel Quiroz that needed to be more defined to avoid confusion within the story. 

The live ukulele playing (Lee Jia-Yu) added a lovely dimension to the narrative as did the pre-recorded tracks that were played intermittently throughout the piece. However, the singing that accompanied some of the music detracted from the narrative with its tuning and rhythmical issues.

The movement sequences within the piece were a highlight demonstrating the skill and timing of the actors as well as adding texture to the piece. On the other hand, some elements of the story were revealed too abruptly not allowing time for the characters or the audience to process emotionally, along with a missed opportunity as some elements of the story were left unexplored.

Xquenda

At Bread and Roses

August 22 - 26, 2023.

Produced by Teatro Glam&Roll,

written and directed by Isabel Quiroz

Cast & Creatives

Nicollah Sekete (Lead)

Lee Jia-Yu (Narrator and live musician)

Isabel Quiroz (Narrator)

 Soeren Frederik Wellens (Assistant Director / Photography)

 Reviewed by Paula Davis