Millennial Notes

Dillon Chitto Combines History with Humor

by Erin Weitzman

Dillon Chitto’s comedy“Pueblo Revolt” brings to light an unlikely Native American victory over  the Spanish Colonial occupation of North America. Set in New Mexico in 1680, Native American brothers Feem (charming Eduardo Soria) and Ba’homa (commanding Steven Flores) hold radically different views about the Spaniards who occupy their Native lands.

Feem pines for the baker’s son, while Ba’homa wants to lead a revolt against the Spanish conquerors. Though they disagree, they would do anything for each other.

Director Eric Avery lets his actors command their space, working naturally together. Though the brothers are both dreamers, they choose different dreams. Older brother Ba’homa, a hopeful leader, optimistically predicts a victory over the colonizers. But Feem, his younger brother, is content to lead a peaceful life, with his eye on the handsome neighbor—not on revolution.

When Ba’homa confides his plans for a revolt, Feem hesitates. Unconvinced, Feem  just wants to blend in. He wonders if the Spanish can really be so bad. Change is not on Feem’s agenda.

With a light touch, as Chitto’s queer protagonist, Feem expands our understanding of Native culture. Daydreaming about the baker’s son, Feem’s sweetness shines through and makes him a character we can love. Feem unveils queer struggle in Native and Spanish culture. Ba’homa accepts Feem’s sexuality, encouraging his brother to live openly.

But Feem worries that his Pueblo community will reject him. Homophobia exists among the elders, as we know too well from today’s U.S. culture “wars.” Our current debates echo the Native vs. Spanish conflict.

Chitto does a clever job incorporating modern lingo, mock iPhones, and frozen peas. Feem makes a comical call to his crush, using a rock for a “cellphone.” The playwright combines historical dialogue and modern slang, making them natural and funny together.

While the dialogue flows nicely, the plot could use a twist or two to speed up the pace. In a play limited to two actors in one location, we would like to see more action and variety.

When the lights go out, the brothers retell the history of what really happened in the Pueblo Revolt in Santa Fe against the Spanish colonizers. Holding lanterns, they circle the stage taking turns telling the story, rapidly and seamlessly.

I also loved the scene in which the brothers are talking under the table, like children. We see only the lower halves of their bodies and their voices convey their emotions. I think a lot of us with siblings can remember making forts or finding crawl spaces to claim together—an authentic and touching scene.

Soria and Flores embody the brothers’ strong connection in their playful, rich dialogue. They do a fantastic job of transporting us into their world. We share their feelings and their desires.

I recommend seeing this enlightening and entertaining play about the oft-forgotten Pueblo Revolt.

 

“Pueblo Revolt” by Dillon Chitto, directed by Reed Flores, by Alter Theater, Berkeley & San Rafael, California. Info: AlterTheater.org – to February 26, 2023.

Cast: Steven Flores and Eduardo Soria.