In the stifling confines of an East LA sewing factory five full-figured Latinas share their fears, hopes and dreams in the comedy "Real Women Have Curves" at 2 and 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 19 in Warren Auditorium at Sonoma State University.
Sacramento State professor Manuel Pickett directs the play which was the basis for the 2002 hit movie of the same name starring America Ferrera.
Using just one set, the sewing factory floor, he tells a story that is a microcosm of the Latina immigrant experience. Pickett and his cast of five present a rich tale of empowerment interwoven with comedy.
Playwright Josefina Lopez' semi-autobiographical tale is told through the eyes of Ana, a recent high school graduate toiling in the factory.
Her idealistic quest to escape the barrio and sweatshop life draws ridicule, and Ana resents the other seamstresses. But through the pressure to meet overwhelming production deadlines, to avoid the Immigration and Naturalization Service and to meet society's unrealistic standards of beauty, the women talk. Ana comes to know them as the real women they are, respect them, and honor their work.
Ana, Estela, Carmen, Pancha and Rosali bond, defending themselves against exploitation from employer and society alike. Ana records their mutual experience in a journal, practicing the craft of writing with the hope of becoming a famous author. By play's end the skill opens a new door for her.
Pickett is a Professor in the Department of Theatre & Dance at CSUS, and head of the Latino Theatre program and Teatro Espejo, teaching classes in guitar, Chicano theatre, multicultural puppetry, and appreciation of acting.
He was an original member of El Teatro Campesino, California's premier Chicano performance ensemble, dedicated to popular empowerment.
The play is sponsored by SSU's Chicano student organization MEChA in collaboration with the Women's Resource Center and the InterCultural Center.
Tickets are $20 general, $5 for SSU and high school students; $10 faculty and other students. They are available at the Student Union Front Desk or by calling (707) 664-2382.
CAPTION: Using just one set, the sewing factory floor, "Real Women Have Curves" director Manuel Pickett tells a story that is a microcosm of the Latina immigrant experience in a rich tale of empowerment interwoven with comedy.
