Review On Frida - Stroke of Passion

Kahlo may be the most ubiquitous Mexican painter in the 20th Century. And, now, Odalys Nanin and her Macha Theatre bring Frida to life in Frida – Stroke of Passion, a guest production at Casa 0101. Nanin as Frida situates Kahlo in her last days, reminiscing about her many loves while attended by Nurse Judith (Tricia Cruz). One after another, a singer (Sandra Valls), a Cuban spy (Kesia Elwin), Josephine Baker (Celeste Creel), actress Maria Felix (Jorie Burgos), a photographer (Tina Modotti) and even Leon Trotsky (Paul Cascante), reappear in Frida’s memory. But the centerpiece of her love is always Diego (an overpowering Oscar Basulto). The exact conditions of her passing serve as the focal point for Nanin’s rendition of Kahlo’s last days. It is a narrative that maintains its riveting momentum until the very last moment.

Leigh Kennicott

Leigh Kennicott has an extensive background in theatre, film and television and a Ph.D. degree in Theatre, awarded in 2002. A writer, director and actor, Leigh Kennicott began theatrical reviewing at Backstage, followed by Pasadena Weekly and Stage Happenings blog.
As a director in Los Angeles, she directed a neo-realist "Romeo and Juliet" at the Secret Rose Theatre; a new play,“Charlotte Second Chance,” at DramaGarage; and “How I Learned to Drive,” “Nickel and Dimed” and “Top Girls” all at College of the Canyons.
Presently, she teaches theatre topics at California State University, Northridge.