Helen of Troy, portrayed by Mafer Roussell in Juicio a una Zorra, is making her case to the audience at Citlalin Art Gallery Theater. She questions who writes our stories, emphasizing that men have historically been the ones to do so. Despite the irony of the male playwrights and directors behind the monologue, Helen shares her side of the story, from her birth from Zeus to her marriage to Tyndareus and affair with Paris that led to war.
Roussell’s performance captures Helen’s mix of venom, anger, and longing, at times reminiscent of a telenovela villain. However, the script limits her actions on stage to mostly sitting, drinking, and addressing the audience, leading to a sense of monotony. The audience is left to conclude that Helen of Troy continues to be stripped of her agency.
In the realm of Chicago theater, Kokandy’s production of Into the Woods is praised for capturing the musical’s complex themes, while the musical adaptation of Some Like It Hot brings gender fluidity to the forefront with dazzling showbiz flair. The Factory’s Inheritance explores generational trauma, while Refracted Theatre’s Coronation offers a dystopian view of patriarchy. Bramble Theatre’s Evil Perfect delves into a world where human relationships are strictly regulated, and Jocey Villa’s Jocey y Las Mariachis shines as a charming solo show for Visión Latino Theatre Company, showcasing a talent worth watching.
