How often do the politics of a play catch up with it two decades after it’s written?
“Serafin” is a story written out of pure anger by Anthony Garcia, artistic director of El Centro Su Teatro. That 75,000 people took to the streets of Denver on Monday to protest tougher immigration policies makes this the perfect time for Denverites to meet Serafin. He’s just like the thousands of Mexicans who have come to America “to build buildings,” as a sign said at Monday’s rally – “not to bomb them.”
Serafin is the actual name of Garcia’s grandfather, though his play is based on his father’s writings. The resultant character came to New Mexico a desperate 7-year-old orphan, only to die in an alley as an old homeless alcoholic, his family long gone and his hands shredded from years working the Nebraska and Colorado sugarbeet fields.
Subtitled “Songs and Tears,” Garcia’s deeply personal short play is a tragedy as American as “Death of a Salesman.” Serafin is the Mexican Willy Loman – a decent, prideful man who gets kicked to the curb – but whose downfall is far more graphic and systemic.
“Serafin” begins at its end. We see the ill-tempered old drunk confronted by a trio of bored young Mexican- American thugs who mock him for his poor English, then beat him for sport. As he lies dying, we hurtle back and forth in time through the haze of alcohol-clouded memories, ghosts and present-day delusions.
Serafin comes to life in the big, burly body of actor Angel Mendez Soto, who originated the role in productions 21 and 17 years ago. Now under the direction of Laura Cuetara, Soto delivers a wild and unnervingly committed portrayal that clearly communicates the disempowerment Mexican males often experience in American society.
The story is in many ways a real history that references the Ku Klux Klan, the Bataan Death March and the early labor movement. It achingly shows how immigration, like slavery, often means the gradual, forced dispersal of family – leaving the weakest isolated branches to wither alone. Serafin starts his own family, only to lose a son to a farming accident, a brother to suicide and his wife to his drinking demons.
How he came to die here in this filthy alley is less important than its inevitability. In the end, like Loman, the best he can hope for is a death of his own choosing.
Garcia compares Serafin to a bull. This strongest and most passionate of animals is weakened to exhaustion and only then defeated. Despite his unavoidable fate, the bull dies with his head up, still charging rabidly, demanding dignity in the face of torment.
This makes for an important and timely theatrical conversation, especially in a nation that was built on centuries of contributions from immigrants and their progeny.
Theater critic John Moore can be reached at 303-820-1056 or jmoore@denverpost.com.
“Serafin: Cantos y Lagrimas” | *** 1/2 RATING
DRAMA|El Centro Su Teatro, 4725 High St.|THROUGH MAY 27|8:05 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays|75 minutes, intermission| $10-$13|303-296-0219
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“SAND STORM: STORIES FROM THE FRONT” Ten scathing monologues penned by former Marine Cpl. Sean Huze based on first-hand accounts from Iraq. 7:30 tonight, 5 p.m. Sunday, then 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays through June 9 at 13 S. Broadway. $17 (303-777-3292).
“DESPERATE AFFECTION” Bruce Graham’s dark romantic comedy turns into a bona fide thriller. Staged by Fort Collins’ openstage etc., at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through May 20 (and 2 p.m. May 21), at the Armstrong Hotel, 259 S. College Ave. $10 (fctix.com or 970-484-5237.
“INCARNATIONS” The Bug Theatre hosts two staged readings of funnyman Don Becker’s latest play at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 3654 Navajo St. He’s the author of “Lucifer Tonight” and “Subgenius Police.” Pay what you can (303-477-5977).
-John Moore
