“Paradise”: Superb Portrait of Puerto Ricans Under Pressure—at BRAVA
Tere Martínez’s “Paradise” provides crucial facts about life in Puerto Rico. She introduces us to the realities of the island: Law 22 that encourages U.S. exploitation, the failing public transportation system, and the frustrations of renewing a car registration.
At Theatre Brava in The Mission, La Lengua Teatro brings a strong anti-imperialist message—delivered in Spanish and English, with helpful super-titles on a screen. Martínez slowly unfolds the long list of U.S. aggression against “colonial” Puerto Rico, under the lyrical direction of Samuel del Rosario. The story unfolds smoothly, gripping our attention to a series of domestic struggles that show the island under U.S. rule.
The self-righteous American landlord Julian (assertive Chris Tilley) struggles with Doña Tata (loveable Iris Diaz), the elder tenant whom he is EVICTING. Julian blames Tata for her poverty—calling her a crazy cat lady. But Doña Tata still believes that Julian is buenagente (a good person). She still believes that the U.S. will save her island.