Theatre review - Like Water For Chocolate, Southwark Playhouse (From News Shopper)

Theatre review - Like Water For Chocolate, Southwark Playhouse

3:40pm Wednesday 28th May 2008 in Stage

Como Agua para Chocolate (Like Water for Chocolate) is a stirring love story set in 1910 revolutionary Mexico and oozes fire and passion.

Romance, home remedies and recipes mingle, as the feelings and desires of the heroine, Tita infuses it into her cooking, deeply affecting all those who eat it.

This magical notion links decades of events, as Tita fights her destiny, creating an epic which is certain to stir the soul.

The original novel by Laura Esquivel has been translated into more than 30 different languages.

While Theatre Sans Frontieres' production is performed in its original Spanish, translation is not needed as emotions sizzle from the pan out into the rural ranch where the action takes place.

The youngest of three daughters, Tita falls in love with local boy Pedro, only to learn that tradition dictates she will never marry and must care for her mother until she dies.

She grieves as her beloved marries her sister Rosaura not knowing it is only so he can be near Tita. Her tears fall into the wedding cake having a profound effect on all the guests.

The lyrical fiery Spanish language assist the brilliant international cast in communicating a sensual drama and a range of emotions which bubble and bubble until they boil over.

The earthy Chencha, family servant and companion of heartbroken Tita, is warmly played by Leonila Arguello Chavarria.

Comical interludes are provided by her alarmingly realistic impressions of a chicken and a crying baby.

Pedro is a little too wet and sappy to root for as a hero but the divine Alejandra Ambrosi Cortes's Tita, a constant tear in her eye, more than makes up for this.

Tinkling music lifts the stark set, while a silent movie sketch and mask work compliment the story-telling. Although perfect to convey a flashback, the shiny plastic of the masks are too pound-shop' in appearance to not cause a giggle.

With injections of English which will keep non Spanish speakers afloat, this play is a winner for the Spanish speaking community as well as anyone who revels in desire and Latin American music. It will certainly have you reaching for the book.

The Southwark Playhouse has transformed its bar into a spicy underground venue which comes alive with Latin-American beats.

With a reputation for accessible theatre, they recently held an open day for young people interested in theatre or film. Definitely among our best theatres in London.

Until May 31 at Southwark Playhouse. Suitable for 15 plus years. Performed in Spanish with a little English.