THE HANGOVER REPORT – Julissa Contreras’s bilingual family drama VÁMONOS revisits 9/11 trauma from a different perspective

Cindy Peralta, Yohanna Florentino, and Angela Reynoso in INTAR Theatre’s production of “Vámonos” by Julissa Contreras (photo by Cortesía).

This past weekend, I also had the opportunity to check out the world premiere of Julissa Contreras’s Vámonos, which arrives Off-Broadway courtesy of the Latinx focused INTAR Theatre in Hell’s Kitchen. Set in a cozy Bronx apartment that borders on claustrophobic (kudos to the impressively detailed set design by Rodrigo Escalante), the play tells the story of a Dominican family as it navigates shifting notions of Americanism, family, home, and security arising from the tragic events of 9/11. It’s a fascinating choice to cast a backward look at that defining traumatic event — but a worthwhile one, especially when viewed from a new perspective as it is here.

The main distinguishing aspect of the play is its bilingualism, with conversations transpiring both in Spanish and English (the dialogue is equally split between both languages, in my rough estimation). Thankfully, Contreras opts not to hold the hands of non-Spanish speakers long audiences, instead imploring them to connect the dots from the outside looking in, thereby forcing them to actively empathize with the characters and their respective plights (much like another multi-generational/cultural family drama this season, the superb Public Obscenities by Shayok Misha Chowdhury at Soho Rep). The playwright is also adept at unfolding in an organic manner, thereby allowing the work’s depiction of a family on edge — economically, socially, culturally — and themes to reveal themselves in an unforced manner.

The INTAR production has been superbly directed by Tatyana-Marie Carlo, who — beautifully in sync with both language’s internal rhythms — deals with the family drama’s intense naturalism with expert care. She also nicely handles the work’s occasional surreal shifts, thanks to effective utilization of lighting, projections, and sound design. The acting by the ensemble cast is largely excellent, and they tap into the characters’ raw emotional states with moving authenticity. Although the play’s climactic moments seem a tad overplayed, their commitment to telling the playwright’s underrepresented story is a notable achievement.

RECOMMENDED

VÁMONOS
Off-Broadway
INTAR Theatre
1 hour, 40 minutes (without an intermission)
Through May 21

Categories: Off-Broadway, Theater

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