CAST:<\/p>\n
Actor #1 — Diego Rivera as a 13 year old youth.<\/p>\n
Actor #2 — Frida Kahlo as a 10 year old, but wiser.<\/p>\n
Actor #3 — Antonia the Curandera (Medicine Woman).<\/p>\n
Actor #4 — Do\u00f1a Popoff (High tone, giving off airs).<\/p>\n
Actor #5 — General Gargajo(Spit, phlegm), also Polic\u00eda.<\/p>\n
TIME AND PLACE: A distant time in a mythical place.<\/p>\n
Note: Spanish words are in bold face.<\/p>\n
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED FOR THE AUTHOR, CARLOS MORTON\/THEATER DEPARTMENT\/UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA BARBARA\/SANTA BARBARA, CA. 93106 (805) 893-8303. E-MAIL: CMORTON@THEATERDANCE.UCSB.EDU<\/p>\n
(THE SCENE IS AN OPEN FIELD. DIEGO AND FRIDA ARE TRYING TO TRAP A SMALL SNAKE IN THE GRASS.)<\/p>\n
FRIDA<\/p>\n
There it is! Get it!<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
Don’t let it get away!<\/p>\n
FRIDA<\/p>\n
It’s going the other way!<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
I got it! (STEPPING ON IT WITH HIS BOOT.) It’s underneath my boot!<\/p>\n
FRIDA<\/p>\n
Careful, not too hard! You’ll kill it!<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
(REACHING DOWN TO PICK IT UP.) Here it is. Look, its emerald green.<\/p>\n
FRIDA<\/p>\n
What shall we do with it? (ENTER ANTONIA PUSHING A CART LIKE THE KIND USED BY VENDORS IN MEXICO.)<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s cut it open, I want to see what it looks like inside.<\/p>\n
FRIDA<\/p>\n
Oh yuck . . .que asco.<\/p>\n
ANTONIA<\/p>\n
What are you doing, muchachos malcriados!<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
(HIDING THE SNAKE BEHIND HIS BACK.) Nada!<\/p>\n
FRIDA<\/p>\n
Antonia, we caught a green snake. Diego has it behind his back!<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
(TO FRIDA.) Chismosa!<\/p>\n
ANTONIO<\/p>\n
Leave that vibora alone and let it go on its way.<\/p>\n
FRIDA<\/p>\n
But it’s belongs to us, we caught it.<\/p>\n
ANTONIA<\/p>\n
What do you mean “it belongs” to you? D\u00e1mela!<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
Why, it’s just a dumb old snake.<\/p>\n
ANTONIA<\/p>\n
No it isn’t. (TAKING IT AWAY.) You could learn a thing or two from this serpiente. This isn\u2019t an ordinary snake. Esta vibora habla!<\/p>\n
FRIDA
\nA talking snake!<\/p>\n
ANTONIA<\/p>\n
Snakes are sacred.<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
Come on, Antonia, you’re pulling our hair!<\/p>\n
ANTONIA<\/p>\n
No les estoy tomando el pelo. I’ll show you. Close your eyes and concentrate real hard. (DIEGO & FRIDA CLOSE THEIR EYES. SOUNDS OF FLUTES AND DRUMS ARE HEARD.) This vibora is the daughter of Nuestra Madre, Coatlicue, she of the skirted snakes.<\/p>\n
FRIDA<\/p>\n
Skirted snakes!<\/p>\n
ANTONIA<\/p>\n
Coatlicue! Talk to us!<\/p>\n
MYSTERIOUS VOICE (OFF)<\/p>\n
(MORE FLUTES AND DRUMS.) I hear you, les oigo. Do you want me to teach these foolish kids a lesson?<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
Oh, no, no we’re sorry!<\/p>\n
FRIDA<\/p>\n
Excuse us, we meant no harm!<\/p>\n
ANTONIA<\/p>\n
Yes you did! You wanted to cut it open! Teach them a lesson, Coatlicue! (DIEGO AND FRIDA HIDE IN FEAR.)<\/p>\n
VOICE (OFF)<\/p>\n
If you let my hijo go I will give you the power to “freeze” time.<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
How can you “freeze” time?<\/p>\n
ANTONIA<\/p>\n
(PULLING OUT A POUCH.) With this special powder.<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
Show us how it’s done!<\/p>\n
ANTONIA<\/p>\n
This is very special powder made from the bones of our snake ancestors. But only the pure of heart can use the magic of La Vibora.<\/p>\n
FRIDA<\/p>\n
I didn’t know snakes had such power!<\/p>\n
ANTONIA<\/p>\n
Oh, but they do! You think snakes are evil, but they\u2019re not. They eat rats and other pests. They also have the power of regeneration!<\/p>\n
FRIDA<\/p>\n
I know, by shedding its old skin and growing a new one.<\/p>\n
ANTONIA<\/p>\n
Exactly! If you are pure of heart, Coatlicue will give you that power!<\/p>\n
FRIDA<\/p>\n
(TAKING THE SNAKE AND LETTING IT GO.) Very well then, pardon me, little snake, se me meti\u00f3 el Diablo. Diego talked me into it!<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
I did not!<\/p>\n
VOICE (OFF)<\/p>\n
Apology accepted! Vayan con Dios! (THE VOICE FADES AS THEY WATCH THE SNAKE SLITHER AWAY IN THE GRASS ACCOMPANIED TO THE STRAINS OF FLUTES AND DRUMS.)<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
(TAKING OUT HIS SKETCHBOOK AND PENCIL.) You know, I only wanted to draw a picture of it!<\/p>\n
ANTONIA<\/p>\n
Well, I\u2019ve got to open up my puesto de limonada. So, try and stay out of trouble, won\u2019t you?<\/p>\n
FRIDA<\/p>\n
Yes, Antonia, don\u2019t worry, we\u2019ll stay out of trouble. See, I told you not to bother that snake. (DIEGO AND FRIDA EXIT, ARGUING. ANTONIA STARTS TO SET UP HER LEMONADE STAND, HUMMING CONTENTEDLY. ENTER A POLICE MAN.)<\/p>\n
ANTONIA<\/p>\n
Buenos d\u00edas, would you like some lemonade?<\/p>\n
POLICIA<\/p>\n
Do you have a permit?<\/p>\n
ANTONIA<\/p>\n
A permit? Since when? I’ve been selling limonada here for years.<\/p>\n
POLICIA<\/p>\n
Her Excellency, Do\u00f1a Popoff, has issued a decree ordering all street vendors to pay a fee of two hundred pesos a week.<\/p>\n
ANTONIA<\/p>\n
Two hundred pesos per week? Se\u00f1or, it takes me an entire day to make that much. I can’t pay it.<\/p>\n
POLICIA<\/p>\n
If you can’t pay the appropriate, eh, fee, you’re going to have to leave.<\/p>\n
ANTONIA<\/p>\n
Is that it? You want a mordida? A bribe?<\/p>\n
POLICIA<\/p>\n
Well, a donation to the Home for Wayward Polic\u00edas would be nice. (THEY ARGUE SILENTLY AS DIEGO AND FRIDA ENTER.)<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
Look, Antonia set up her lemonade stand. Let\u2019s get some lemonade?<\/p>\n
FRIDA<\/p>\n
Are you buying?<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
I bought last time, it’s your turn.<\/p>\n
FRIDA<\/p>\n
Is not!<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
Is so!<\/p>\n
FRIDA<\/p>\n
Antonia, dos aguas, por favor.<\/p>\n
ANTONIA<\/p>\n
(POURING TWO LEMONADES.) Coming right up, two lemonades. Here you go. Cincuenta centavos, por favor. (FRIDA ENDS UP PAYING.)<\/p>\n
POLICIA<\/p>\n
You’re going to have to move on, Se\u00f1ora. Come on, pack up and move!<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
What’s the matter, what did she do?<\/p>\n
POLICIA<\/p>\n
Muchacho, don’t interfere!<\/p>\n
FRIDA<\/p>\n
You leave her alone!<\/p>\n
POLICIA<\/p>\n
This is none of your concern.<\/p>\n
ANTONIA<\/p>\n
(STRUGGLING WITH THE POLICIA.) No, I won’t go! I have my rights! How will I feed my familia?<\/p>\n
POLICIA<\/p>\n
I don’t know, that’s not my problem!<\/p>\n
FRIDA<\/p>\n
It’s not fair!<\/p>\n
POLICIA<\/p>\n
Life isn’t fair. Go talk to Do\u00f1a Popoff about it. I’m just following orders. (PUSHING HER.)<\/p>\n
FRIDA<\/p>\n
Stop it!<\/p>\n
POLICIA<\/p>\n
(PUSHING FRIDA.) You keep out of this, esquincla!<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
(SPRINKLING POWDER ON THE POLICIA.) Leave her alone! (FLUTES AND DRUMS PLAY.) What do you think you’re doing! (THE POLICIA STOPS DEAD IN HIS TRACKS.)<\/p>\n
POLICIA<\/p>\n
(AS THOUGH IN A TRANCE.) They make me do it! I have to pay my boss and he pays Do\u00f1a Popoff.<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
(TO FRIDA.) See, this is the way the corrupt system works! (WHISTLES ARE BLOWN OFF STAGE.)<\/p>\n
ANTONIA<\/p>\n
Muchachos, here comes reinforcements! We better run!<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
You shouldn\u2019t have to be pushed around by the polic\u00eda!<\/p>\n
ANTONIA<\/p>\n
(MOTIONING FOR THEM COME WITH HER.) Help me put this away. Quick, before they arrest us. (THEY HELP HER DISMANTLE THE WARES AND PACK THEM AWAY.)<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
I’m going to paint this some day.<\/p>\n
ANTONIA<\/p>\n
Ap\u00farense, they’ll break your fingers!<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
I will record your heroic struggle! (DIEGO TAKES OUT A BRUSH.)<\/p>\n
FRIDA<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t you understand, Tonto, we got to get out of here! (FRIDA DRAGS DIEGO AWAY AS THE WHISTLES GET LOUDER AND LOUDER. THE POLICEMAN REMAINS FROZEN IN TIME.)<\/p>\n
(MEANWHILE ON ANOTHER PART OF THE STAGE, DONA POPOFF IS PRIMPING AND GROOMING HERSELF IN FRONT OF A MIRROR.)<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
Espejo, espejo on the wall?
\nWho’s the most mandona of all?<\/p>\n
Who’s got the plebe in the palm of their hand?
\nWho runs the borlote in all the land?<\/p>\n
Soy yo, it\u2019s me, La Do\u00f1a Popoff!
\nY si no les gusta, pues, just buzz off! (BEAT)<\/p>\n
Espera, what’s this, something amiss?
\nI sense a presence most disturbing.
\nQue es lo que esta so unnerving?<\/p>\n
GENERAL<\/p>\n
(ENTERING, HIS MEDALS CLANKING, AND HIS SWORD DRAGGING ON THE GROUND.) Do\u00f1a Popoff!<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
General\u00edsimo Gargajo!<\/p>\n
GENERAL<\/p>\n
(CLEARING HIS THROAT, AS IF TO SPIT. THIS HAPPENS EVERYTIME SOMEONE UTTERS HIS NAME.) Your Horridness! (KISSING HER HAND. SHE REACTS WITH SOME DIGUST TO THIS.) I’m afraid I have some bad news.<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
What? Bad news in my happy Kingdom!<\/p>\n
GENERAL<\/p>\n
The street venders are up in arms. They are organizing against your decree to pay the two hundred peso fee. One of those sissy artist types painted a mural on a public wall depicting the so called struggle of the workers. Should I send the troops in?<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
Don’t get carried away, Gargajo. (HE CLEARS HIS THROAT.) Learn how to \u201ckill\u201d people with kindness! Tell me, who\u2019s responsible for this?<\/p>\n
GENERAL<\/p>\n
A young boy named Diego Rivera. I suspect him of having “unnatural leanings.” I’m going to arrest him and have him shot.<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
And make a martyr out of him? No!<\/p>\n
GENERAL<\/p>\n
Well then, I’ll have him “disappeared!”<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
Gargajo! There are other ways to get things done without brute force.<\/p>\n
GENERAL<\/p>\n
But force is my middle name!<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
You’re such a brute! (BEAT.) Tell him I want to see him. I have a proposition he can’t refuse.<\/p>\n
GENERAL<\/p>\n
(SNAPPING TO ATTENTION.) Yes, your Slyness! (HE EXITS.)<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
(PICKING UP HER CRISTAL BALL. HER OWN DEMONIC MUSIC PLAYS. ) Now then, who is this boy genius? (LOOKING DEEPLY.) Oh, there he is, hard at work, painting his mural. (DIEGO APPEARS ON A SCAFFOLD, BRUSH IN HAND, PAINTING. HE YAWNS AND LAYS HIS HEAD DOWN TO REST.) Oh, he must be tired! What better time to ensnare him. How sweet! (SHE GOES INTO DIEGO’S “SPACE” AND ENTERS HIS SUBCONSCIOUS.) Diego . . . Dieguito!<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
(ANSWERING HER, HALF ASLEEP.) Who is it?<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
It’s me, the Muse!<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
(REPULSED.) Oh, Muse! How fea you are!<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. A genius of your talent deserves to be recognized. But don’t waste your time painting silly things. Why not paint pleasant things, happy things?<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
Alas, the world is not a happy place.<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
You can make it better . . . with your art! (DIEGO STOPS AND THINKS ABOUT IT.) Let me help you. You can study with me, at the Academy of Cosmodemonic Art. I’ll get you commissions, introduce you to all the right people . . . (HER DEMONIC MUSIC WEAVES ITS SPELL ON HIM.) What do you think?<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
Sounds tempting.<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
Then come to my mansion this afternoon. We’ll start at once. I want you to paint a portrait of me.<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
(AS THOUGH IN A TRANCE.) I don’t do portraits . . . I do murals.<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
Only peasants paint walls, Diego. (FILLING HIS HEAD WITH THOUGHTS.) You are destined to be a great artist!<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
The greatest artist the world has ever known?<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
Believe it! (DIEGO EXITS IN A TRANCE. SHE WAITS UNTIL HE’S GONE.) NOT!<\/p>\n
I see it now, he’s pure of soul
\nThe way through that, inject a dart
\nFull of venom in his heart!<\/p>\n
Study with me, the forbidden tree
\nInstill him with my spirit, which is pride
\nThat’s the way I’ll damn his hide!<\/p>\n
(SHE YELLS OUT TO THE WINGS.) Gargajo!<\/p>\n
GENERAL<\/p>\n
(ENTERING.) You called, your Spitefulness?<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
Tonight, under the cover of darkness . . . I want you to whitewash the offending mural.<\/p>\n
GENERAL<\/p>\n
Yes, my Queen. I might add that he has a helper, a certain Frida.
\nI also suspect her of engaging in strange and unnatural acts.<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
What sort of acts?<\/p>\n
GENERAL<\/p>\n
She does not shave her legs or her armpits.<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
Well, you’d better keep an eye on her. If she causes any trouble, send her into the Do\u00f1a Popoff School for Wayward Girls. (THE GENERAL SALUTES AND CLICKS HIS HEELS. THEY BOTH EXIT.)<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
(ENTERING WITH FRIDA WHO IS READING A LEGAL SIZED DOCUMENT.) What’s wrong with accepting a commission from Do\u00f1a Popoff?<\/p>\n
FRIDA<\/p>\n
But you signed away the rights to your work! She owns the mural!<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
She\u2019s going to give me a scholarship to study art in Europe.<\/p>\n
FRIDA<\/p>\n
And the idea of painting her portrait gives me ASCO!<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
She’s going to pay me 1000 pesos!<\/p>\n
FRIDA<\/p>\n
(SARCASTICALLY.) Well, that says it all, doesn’t it!<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
That’s easy for you to say, your parents give you spending money. Mis padres no ten\u00edan dinero. You were born with a silver spoon in your mouth.<\/p>\n
FRIDA<\/p>\n
It was a wooden spoon.<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
So, why are you jealous, of my success? You should be congratulating me!<\/p>\n
FRIDA<\/p>\n
Diego, what’s go into to you? You\u2019ve changed.<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
I finally realized that I’m worth a great deal! I should get paid for my work!<\/p>\n
FRIDA<\/p>\n
All right. Do what you want. You asked my advice and I gave it to you. Hasta luego. (SHE GOES OFF TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STAGE LEAVING DIEGO STANDING THERE ALONE. SHE STARTS TO SING.)<\/p>\n
I hope I didn’t make him mad.<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
(SINGING.) I hope I didn’t make her sad.<\/p>\n
FRIDA<\/p>\n
Maybe he’s right, maybe I’m wrong.<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
Of my beliefs, I must be strong.<\/p>\n
FRIDA<\/p>\n
I sense him slipping away from me.<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
I must move on, I must be free.<\/p>\n
FRIDA<\/p>\n
His heart was pure, but now it’s soiled.<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
Now my plans, no one will foil! (THEY BOTH EXIT.)<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
(ENTERING WITH THE GENERAL.) Now then, do you see how I spin my web? Watch and learn.<\/p>\n
GENERAL<\/p>\n
People are painting subversive things on all the walls of the city. There is riot and disorder in the streets!<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
Not to worry, Gargajo, not to worry. (ENTER DIEGO.) Ah, here comes our little artist. Hide! (GENERAL HIDES.) Dieguito. (HOLDING OUT HER HAND SO HE CAN KISS IT. HE DOES SO RATHER GRUDGINGLY.)<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
(SPITTING TO THE SIDE AFTER KISSING HER HAND.) Do\u00f1a Popoff, I am at your service.<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
Now then, before we get to my portrait. I want to show you
\nthe kinds of things I’d like painted . . . for which you’ll be handsomely paid. (DIEGO BOWS.) I want happy things, folkloric things, showing the people laughing and singing.<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
Folkloric things! You mean, like for the turistas?<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
Yes, scenes that show the fiesta life of ole M\u00e9xico. Here, I\u2019ll show. (DONA AND GENERAL GARGAJO COMENCE TO SING AND DANCE AN EXAGGERATED VERSION OF THE MEXICAN HAT DANCE.)<\/p>\n
DONA\/GENERAL (LA CUCARACHA)<\/p>\n
We\u2019re alegre and so gay
\nBailando the night away
\nHere there is no misery
\nHappy people all are we<\/p>\n
Quaint folkloric campesinos
\nZapateando with our primos
\nEating nothing but frijoles
\nAnd we suffer no dolores<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
Pero mira, they are poor
\nEarth and straw for a floor
\nNor a techo for their head
\nThings to eat, or a bed<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
Dales sap, dales sweets
\nDales songs y dales treats
\nTell them they are fine
\nMuy alegres all the time<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
Eso es falso, this is bad
\nNo es bueno, it is sad
\nI won\u2019t lend my name
\nTo this stupid little game!<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
Yes you will, my little boy!<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
No sere tu little toy! (THE SONGS ENDS. DIEGO STARTS TO LEAVE.)<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
(HOLDING ON TO HIM.) Where do you think you’re going?<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
Frida was right, we don’t see eye to eye.<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
Oh yes we do. Tell me what YOU want to paint!<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
Things that have to do with our heritage, like our Pre-Columbian past.<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
You mean those old ruins back there?<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
Yes, so people can see what a marvelous civilization there was in M\u00e9xico-Tenochitlan! Do you know the Mayas invented the concept of Zero?<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
But they were primitives!<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
You\u2019re hopeless!<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
Oh, wait a minute, I see. We’ll clear out the jungle and reconstruct the pyramids!<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
Now you’re talking.<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
So more tourists will come to Mexico!<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
No, so the people will be proud of their heritage! I give up. There\u2019s no dealing with you. (DIEGO THROWS HIS HANDS UP IN DESPAIR AND EXITS.)<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
Diego, you get back here this instant!<\/p>\n
GENERAL<\/p>\n
Don’t you think he walks rather effeminate-like? Prances to and fro?<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
Oh, shut up! Did you have the mural whitewashed?<\/p>\n
GENERAL<\/p>\n
Yes, Mandona. Although it did start a riot which we had to quell with tear gas and, eh, shock troops.<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
Things are getting out of hand. All because of that stubborn boy!<\/p>\n
GENERAL<\/p>\n
All the venders have organized, as well as the effete snobs, pansies and lefties.<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
This has got to stop!<\/p>\n
GENERAL<\/p>\n
Look! (PULLING OUT A LARGE CARICATURE OF HER.) A flagrant attack upon your person! These portraits of you are going up all over the city!<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
(SHRIEKING AS THOUGH SHE WERE STABBED IN THE HEART.) How dare they deface my exquisite beauty! This is war! Bring me my helmet! Bring me my sword and buckler! (HE DRESSES HER FOR BATTLE.) My chest protector! Gnash your teeth! Give no quarter!<\/p>\n
GENERAL<\/p>\n
I have an idea! (SHE TURNS TO HIM.) His girlfriend . . . (WHISPERING IN HER EAR. THEY EXIT.)<\/p>\n
ANTONIA<\/p>\n
(ENTERING WITH ANTONIA.) Frida is nowhere to be found. Something’s wrong.<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
Can you help me?<\/p>\n
ANTONIA<\/p>\n
(FLUTES AND DRUMS PLAY.) I will summon the Esp\u00edritu de Coatlicue.<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
Where is she?<\/p>\n
ANTONIA<\/p>\n
Ahhh, I see her. She is lying in a dungeon. A greasy little hombre in a funny suit is standing next to her.<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
It sounds like El General\u00edsimo Gargajo!<\/p>\n
ANTONIA<\/p>\n
He\u2019s holding a knife!<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
They’re in Do\u00f1a Popoff’s mansion. Come on, let’s go! (THEY EXIT.)<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
(THE GENERAL AND DONA ARE IN A DUNGEON OF THE KIND USED IN THE SPANISH INQUISITION. WIERD MUSIC PLAYS. FRIDA IS TIED TO THE WALL.) I going to teach you a lesson you’ll never forget!<\/p>\n
FRIDA<\/p>\n
You don’t scare me, vieja idiota!<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
I’ve got just the thing to “fix” you! (SHE PULLS OUT A LARGE VIAL OF GREASY WHITE CREAM.)<\/p>\n
FRIDA<\/p>\n
What is that vile looking stuff!<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
This “vial” of White Cream is going to alter your state of being!<\/p>\n
FRIDA<\/p>\n
What are you doing to me!<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
Changing your skin color! I always thought you were a shade too dark! (SMEARING ON GREASE ON FRIDA’S ARMS.) How would you like to be as white as the fleece on Mary’s lamb?<\/p>\n
FRIDA<\/p>\n
Stop it!<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
Presto change-o! (SMEARING GREASE ON FRIDA’S FACE.) You\u2019re too rebellious for your own good. From now on you will be as meek as Mary’s lamb!<\/p>\n
FRIDA<\/p>\n
(FALLING IN A TRANCE.) Baaa! Baaaa!<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
Now you’re talking.<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
(ENTERING WITH A LARGE PAINT BRUSH, THAT HE WAVES LIKE A SWORD.) Unhand her you fiends!<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
Oh, it’s you. Gargajo! Have at him!<\/p>\n
GENERAL<\/p>\n
(DRAWING HIS SWORD.) With pleasure!<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
(PULLING OUT HIS MAGIC POWDER AND SPRIKLING IT ON GENERAL.) Take that! (SPRIKLING MORE POWDER.) And that! (MORE POWDER.) And that! That! That! (NOTHING HAPPENS.)<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
Hah! Ha! I knew it. He’s lost his power! The magic only works if you’re pure of heart. And Pride entered your aorta! (GENERAL SUBDUES DIEGO AND TIES HIM UP.) Diego, my prize pupil, we could have done great things, but you betrayed me!<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
You whitewashed my mural!<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
I told you to paint portraits! Now I have a surprise for both of you. I’ve decided to revive the ancient rites of our Aztec past and turn the entire country into a theme park!<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
What for?<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
So I can bring in tourists by the busloads. It’s a source of much need foreign exchange.<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
You’re twisted, you’re sick!<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
I’m turning a profit! I’m also building a chain of Taco Bells on top of all the pyramids.<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
Que asco! Just wait! The people will rise up and crush you!<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
They will applaud me because I give them jobs . . . making tacos! Now then, are you ready to participate in the ultimate spectacle?<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
Which one . . .<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
A sacrifice to the Gods!<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
You’re mad!<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
The Sound and Lights show will bring in much need foreign exchange! The tourists will eat it up.<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
Eat what?<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
You! And her! We’ll serve them tamales de Frida, and tacos de Diego! (CACKLING UPROARIOUSLY. DONA’S DEMONIC MUSIC PLAYS.) Gargajo! Bring them over here to the sacrificial altar! Get me my obsidian blade! (GARGAJO DOES AS HE’S TOLD. JUST AS DONA POPOFF IS ABOUT TO SACRIFICE FRIDA FLUTES AND DRUMS PLAY. DONA GRABS HER HEAD IN PAIN.) What is that horrible music!<\/p>\n
ANTONIA<\/p>\n
(ENTERING.) Yo soy Coatlicue, Madre Ind\u00edgena!<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
I feel cold and clammy.<\/p>\n
ANTONIA<\/p>\n
Sientes the spirit of our indigenous past.<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
(SCRATCHING HERSELF ALL OVER.) My skin is itching, it’s on fire!<\/p>\n
ANTONIA<\/p>\n
You are about to shed your skin!<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
(TAKING OFF HER CLOTHES.) Oh help, I’m on fire!<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
Look! Underneath her clothes!<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
(AS SHE REVEALS HERSELF WE SEE SHE IS MADE OF SNAKESKIN COVERED WITH FEATHERS.) Help! Gargajo! (GARGAJO GOES TO AID HER BUT DIEGO CUTS HIM OFF.)<\/p>\n
GENERAL<\/p>\n
Step aside, you pansy!<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
(ASSUMING A “CHOLO” STANCE.) \u00d3rale pues! No soy gay, but even if I was, I got rights like everybody else, homeboy! (HE GIVES OFF SOME “GANG” SIGNS.)<\/p>\n
GENERAL<\/p>\n
(TAKEN ABACK BY THE ATTITUDE.) Hey, well, I didn’t mean . . .<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
All people are alike no matter what their sexual preference. So, chale with your attitude o te doy en la madre, ese!<\/p>\n
GENERAL<\/p>\n
(OBVIOUSLY INTIMIDATED.) Oh, uh, excuse me, your Choloship!<\/p>\n
FRIDA<\/p>\n
(SNAPPING OUT OF HER STUPOR AND POINTING AT DONA POPOFF.) Look! She’s a feathered serpent!<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
I’ve been bewitched!<\/p>\n
ANTONIA<\/p>\n
This is who you really are!<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
What is this supposed to mean? Why has my flesh turned to snakeskin, my hair to feathers?<\/p>\n
ANTONIA<\/p>\n
The feathers are the wind, the snake is transformation.<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
If you scratch a Mexican underneath you’ll find a Indio! (FLUTES AND DRUMS PLAY. THE DONA SUBMITS TO THE INEVITABLE.)<\/p>\n
DONA<\/p>\n
Am I to live this way for the rest of my life?<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
Yes! And you will allow us to paint murals all over the city.<\/p>\n
FRIDA<\/p>\n
And you’ll supply us with the paint and the brushes!<\/p>\n
DIEGO<\/p>\n
And most important of all — we will paint what we see! (LA DONA BOWS HER HEARD IN SUBMISSION.)<\/p>\n
SONG\/FINALE<\/p>\n
We’ll paint what we want
\nWe’ll paint what we see
\nWe’ll paint for you
\nWe’ll paint for me!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
CAST: Actor #1 — Diego Rivera as a 13 year old youth. Actor #2 — Frida Kahlo as a 10 year old, but wiser. Actor #3 — Antonia the Curandera (Medicine Woman). Actor #4 — Do\u00f1a Popoff (High tone, giving off airs). Actor #5 — General Gargajo(Spit, phlegm), also Polic\u00eda. TIME AND PLACE: A distant […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[4],"tags":[12,49,8,26,22,9,25,13,11,21,10,24,23,27],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/alternativepublications.ucmerced.edu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/alternativepublications.ucmerced.edu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/alternativepublications.ucmerced.edu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alternativepublications.ucmerced.edu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alternativepublications.ucmerced.edu\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=16"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/alternativepublications.ucmerced.edu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/alternativepublications.ucmerced.edu\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=16"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alternativepublications.ucmerced.edu\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=16"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alternativepublications.ucmerced.edu\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=16"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}