Review: GREEN ROOM THEATRE: A CULTURAL CONNECTION at GREEN ROOM THEATRE

I was moved—completely captivated by the stunning performance of Luis Alfaro’s award-winning Black Butterfly, a poignant peek into one aspect of Mexican-American culture, now playing at Green Room Theatre Company. The show offers more than the play itself.  On a makeshift stage in the RAP Foundation building, the show opens with an energetic display of talent by Ballet Folklórico.

Black Butterfly links a series of short monologues and bits of dialogue to cover several years of the girls’ lives.  I tip my hat to playwright Alfaro. It’s an exceptional man who can eloquently express in simple language, occasionally bilingual, the life experiences of girls. I’m certain that he will be gratified by the authenticity in every speech by each of the actors.  He “got” them, and they “got” him. 

The four young women who brought the play to life are among the finest actors I’ve had the pleasure to see this season.  Under the able direction of David Catanzarite, Chantalle Acevedo, Rocio Muñoz (also the Assistant Director), Daisy Posadas, and Alicia Wilson inhabit their characters--teenage Latinas growing up in various neighborhoods in the Los Angeles area. They speak about their families, friendships, adolescent anxieties, crushes, school issues, and an array of challenges that young girls face.  Yes, some of the narrative is specific to Latinas, but I was once a girl, and I recall similar challenges.  In the face of those bumps in the road, Alfaro’s characters communicate their pride and sense of belonging.

I was particularly impressed by the tempo, energy, and timing of the monologues and blocking. Every word of every line was clear.  Even the few lines written in Spanish are understandable to the English-speaking audience because of the actors’ commitment to communicating the idea. Audience reception to the insights and story-telling of Black Butterfly demonstrates its universal appeal. 

 Catanzarite told me that the technique he used for changing set pieces and handling props efficiently came from his experience with Japanese Kabuki. It works remarkably well in the limited performing area.

Rewind to the opening act:  Ballet Folklórico. Did you know that the different steps have meanings? For example, one dancing move represents rodeo roping. Through its movements and music, folkloric dancing showcases the traditions, culture, spirit, and beliefs of people of a particular area, for example, Jalisco.

RAP (Regional Access Project) Foundation, where the performance took place, is one of the sponsors of Green Room Theatre Company. The non-profit Foundation’s mission is to provide funding to community-based organizations, including theater companies, which serve the populations of eastern Riverside County, California.

Since “the season” and the theater season coincide, visitors to all parts of the Coachella Valley have access to a great variety of entertainment choices.  For more information about upcoming events and the 2025-26 season of Green Room Theatre Company, go to info@grtccv.org.