Teatro Paraguas to Present MARIELA IN THE DESERT

Teatro Paraguas presents Mariela in the Desert, a play by Karen Zacarias, the lyrical play opening on January 22 for a two week run.

It is 1951 in the northern desert of Mexico. Once renowned artist Jose Salvatierra, friend of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, is now living in a barren landscape with his wife Mariela. She ceased painting when their afflicted son tragically died in a barn fire and their gifted daughter abandoned them for Mexico City. This night, accompanied by the unsettling rustling of the desert wind, secrets will be revealed.

"Mariela has contradictory things to teach us about how to live or not live our lives," says playwright Karen Zacarias. Do we betray our family for art's sake or betray our art for our family's sake?

Directed by Alaina Warren Zachary, the play features Catherine Donavon as Mariela, Nicholas Ballas as Jose, Kathi Collins as the older sister Oliva, Roxanne Tapia as the daughter Bianca, Jason Max Adams as the American professor, and Skye Franklin as son Carlos. Catherine Donovan played Mariela in the Theaterwork production of the play in 2007 in Santa Fe.

WHAT: Mariela in The Desert, a play by Karen Zacarias

WHEN: January 22 to February 1, Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 2:00 pm

WHERE: Teatro Paraguas Studio, 3205 Calle Marie, Santa FeMariela press release

Tickets: $17 general admission, $12 seniors and students

Reservations: 505-424-1601, teatroparaguas@gmail.com