Joe Peer called today and offered me the part of Carmen, the mother in "Real Women Have Curves," a staged reading. He had originally envisioned me for a different role, as Estela, Ana's older sister. Estela runs the garment factory and it's an interesting strong woman role. But, all along, I definitely felt I would be more appropriate as the mother (a youngish version, shall we say?). Rehearsals begin September 15. Joe says it will be intense, he will direct us so that there is movement, there will be lighting, and a suggestion of costumes. So, a bit more than a typical reading. (Judging from the audition, I believe him when he says it will be intense!) Here's the basic synopsis of the movie version, from the website Rotten Tomatoes:
"Ana (America Ferrera) is a beautiful Mexican-American girl who has just completed high school. Living in East L.A. with a hardworking blue collar family, Ana's graduation from an upscale school in Beverly Hills is heralded as a huge accomplishment. At least, that's the way her English teacher and mentor, Mr. Guzman (George Lopez) sees it. He would like Ana to apply to college as he feels that she is a smart and talented student. But Ana's deeply traditional mother, Carmen (Lupe Ontiveros), insists that she stay at home and help her sister working in a dressmaking factory. Ana is strong-willed and sometimes defiant, but she accepts her mother's instructions and works at the factory, simultaneously applying to Columbia University. The sweatshop that her sister operates opens Ana's eyes to the injustices of business. She sees how her sister is mistreated and underpaid by the Bloomingdale's executives who have contracted her to make their dresses. Dresses that cost the factory $18 to make are sold at Bloomie's for $600, and Ana questions where all that money goes. She also awakens her mother, sister, and coworkers to the idea that they are more than just pretty pictures or wives or mothers--they are real people with a lot to offer and they shouldn't be mislead by the body image promoted by stores like Bloomingdale's that mass-produce clothing in small sizes for thin women. In the end, Ana learns a lot about herself, her family, and even romance, on her way to seeing herself as a woman...."
If you can't see me in this staged reading at the Petaluma Arts Center - part of the week-long Dia de los Muertos Celebration - catch the movie on HBO, starring America Ferrera, Lupe Ontiveros, Ingrid Oliu, George Lopes, and directed by Patricia Cardozo. By all accounts, it's a charmer.
Performances in Petaluma are as follows:
Dress Rehearsal: Oct. 8th, 7 PM. Performance dates: Oct. 9th & 10th, 7:30 PM.
Location: Petaluma Arts Center
No comments:
Post a Comment