Millennial Notes

Tere Martínez Exposes US Profiteering after Hurricane Maria

by Yano Rivera

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.

Set in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Julian, a rough-edged libertarian, profits from his US status. He is trying to engage his Spanish tutor, Andrea (mesmerizing Dyana Diaz), who is a passionate Puerto Rican nationalist. As Andrea, Dyana Diaz brings power and independence to the key role, the one Puerto Rican who understands that the U.S. treats their island paradise like a rejected step-child.

Julian moved from the US to make money from his poor tenants. They are all still struggling from the effects of Hurricane Maria. Law 22 makes Julian’s profits tax free!

Julian is looking at Dyana romantically while he tries to learn Spanish, but she’s not having any intimacy with this Yankee. He tries to dominate the fiercely independent Andrea, like the US dominates Puerto Rico. No luck!

Next, we meet warmhearted handyman Quiko (delightful Hector Lugo). Even when Julian treats him rudely, Quiko dedicates himself to his maintenance work for Julian. He identifies with his oppressor, like Americans who follow a cult leader.

Doña Tata feeds the neighborhood’s feral cats to cope with the grief of losing her daughter in the Iraq War. Despite her sorrow, she is a conservative, pro-statehood Puerto Rican, admiring everything American, including Julian. Sadly, Tata cannot see the truth. She’s living in a dreaming past.

All four actors make Puerto Rican life and suffering real for a San Francisco audience. Their problems remind us of our own lives of inequality and injustice. Their acting has a subtle authenticity and nuance.

Colonization and exploitation, corruption and gentrification, run deep in U.S. connections to Puerto Rico. The same destruction is at work in San Francisco, too, as techies invade The Mission and displace El Populo, the People.

Check the anti-gentrification murals in Balmy Alley and 24th Street! Then come and see this touching and sensitive play at Theatre Brava.

Viva Puerto Rico Libre de gente bruta.

“Paradise” by Tere Martínez, directed by Samuel del Rosario (Samuel Prince), lighting by Lizbeth Ortiz, costumes by Briana Lisette Cardenas, set design by Bianca Forzan, by BRAVA and La Lenga Teatro Espanol, San Francisco.

Info: brava.org – to September 29, 2024.

Cast: Dyana Diaz, Chris Tilley, Iris Diaz, and Hector Lugo.

Banner photo: Dyana Diaz & Iris Diaz. Photos by Manuel Orbegozo