Teatro Paraguas presents a staged reading of
Parted Waters
Written by Robert F. Benjamin
Directed by JoJo Sena de Tarnoff
Cast for the reading includes Jeni Tincher, Daric Gutierrez, James Chavez, and Argos MacCallum
Teatro Paraguas is pleased to present a staged reading of Parted Waters, a play by Los Alamos playwright Robert F. Benjamin. Originally presented as a full production by Teatro Paraguas in 2010, Parted Waters is a gripping yet humorous drama about three generations of a Hispanic family with crypto-Jewish roots in Northern New Mexico.
Parted Waters focuses on three Hispanic men—grandfather, son, and grandson—whose farm near Truchas has been in the family for generations. Grandfather Reynaldo tends the farm and is mayordomo (foreman) of the local acequia. His son Javier has struggled to build a high-tech career and care for his family in Albuquerque. His son Miguel has two college degrees, a promising career as a hydrologist, and is running for state office.
Besides diverging cultural values and lifestyles, the familial bond is challenged by the fact that Reynaldo and Javier are aware of the family’s Crypto-Jewish roots, while Miguel is not. Javier is determined to bury that part of the family’s past. An unintended slur by Miguel during a political debate with his opponent Phyllis Goldstein, whose estranged daughter is Miguel’s campaign manager, nearly destroys the family—but reveals the truth.
Parted Waters was originally commissioned by the Arizona Jewish Theater, where it premiered in 2009. Three theater companies in New Mexico have produced the play, and it has received staged readings in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, New York, and Florida.
A post-show community dialogue on crypto-Judaism in New Mexico will be held after both performances.
Tickets:
$5 to 10 Suggested donation
Reservations:
Call 505-424-1601
Contact and information:
www.TeatroParaguas.org
Argos MacCallum at 505-577-2679
argos@teatroparaguas.org
This project made possible in part by New Mexico Arts, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs; National Endowment for the Arts; Santa Fe Arts Commission; 1% Lodgers’ Tax; McCune Foundation; Santa Fe Community Foundation; and generous private support.
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Teatro Paraguas
3205 Calle Marie
Santa Fe, NM 87507
505-424-1601
www.TeatroParaguas.org