Electricidad, directed by Christina Goyenche and written by Luis Alfaro, debuted at the Bakersfield College Edward Simonsen outdoor theater on Oct. 19 as part of the Kern County Shakespeare Festival.
For $16 dollars (or $10 with student identification) the cast tells the tale of Electricidad, a girl in the barrio who after her father’s death vows to enact revenge upon the killer who is no other than her mother who after years of abuse killed him in a bid for her own power.
With her grandmother and gossiping ladies sweeping as a Greek chorus, Nino as the old man, and the entry of Chicano history the show that has been fought for to be staged for three years, according to the director Christina Goyenche, is finally hitting the big stage.
Viewers describe it as a masterpiece. Noah White, an audience member, claims, “I was on the edge of my seat, the actors portrayed the emotions so well.”
Another audience member, Cassie Mazza, also said,” The jokes were absolutely hilarious, and the emotions were crazy, when the father went up in flames the scream was unexpected.”
Director and supporting actress Christina Goyeche said that the production was a great way to show off the talented Chicano/Latino cast especially with it being a mostly female cast. “I liked the story because it wasn’t just a story of murder but there truly is no bad guy, when you watch you just wish for everyone to heal,” Goyeneche stated.
Supporting actor Daniel Ramos, who plays Nino said, “Over all it brought the Chicano lifestyle to life, even the tattoos we use on set are associated with Chicano folklore. Chicano studies had stuck with me during the semester so when I found out about this play, I just knew I had to be a part of it.”
And part of it he indeed was, acting as both the old man guiding the protagonist’s brother during his exile to Las Vegas and comic relief for the crowd as he references Cheech and Chong, Tupac, and other gangsters of yesteryear.
Leading Lady Laylah Lievana explains that she had no prior experience acting but chose to go hearing that the Shakespeare festival could use more people for representation. “I finally accepted the role after much convincing from my brother, but I can only give all my thanks to the directors and supporting cast, especially Christina Goyeneche. I couldn’t do it without them and especially without her. I’m not quite sure what may come next, all I know now is that I’m in a drama class now.”