“Cuba: Punto X” Extremely Relevant Theatre

Perhaps the most important and relevant Spanish language play in the last decade graced the New York City stage this fall.  “Cuba: Punto X” by Ivan Acosta played at the Producers’ Club in the heart of Times Square to uplift the mediocrity of much of the disappearing independent theatre movement in the heart of the City.  

“Punto X” succeeds in great part due to its wonderful dialogue, but more so because of all the other components that make this an excellent theatrical work.  Acosta himself, who has a long and distinguished career in film and theatre, and most notably with the very successful and popular play and film, “El Super”, masterfully directs the play. He has a strong cast to direct which makes his job that much easier, and the outcome that much more interesting, and in this case powerful.  

Alfonso Rey in the role of “Eulalio” demonstrates much depth and authority.  He appears a bit young for the character, but his acting chops makes one oversee that shortfall.  Lucio Fernandez in the role of “Adrian” is a talented and meticulous actor.  He demonstrates how a fine actor can deliver the subtlest of performances while delivering a multi-faceted one. His was acting in the first order.  Dalia Davi in the role of “Yari” was perhaps the weakest of the three actors.  She lacked the emotional depth a more seasoned actress may have brought forth.  In one scene where “Eulalio” is delivering a long heartfelt monologue, Davi dances around the stage aimlessly without even the slightest glimmer of passion.  It is obvious she does not comprehend the whole Cuban Santeria dance rituals.  Davi squandered what could have been the performance of her lifetime.  She was served a great character in a silver platter, but was unable to deliver. It was a missed opportunity to shine within a great role. 

The entire production was first rate, especially considering the limitations of the venue. The set design was a dark tree-filled scenario placing the three characters in the confines of a hidden “bosque” in the midst of the Sierra Maestra Mountains in Cuba. The lighting although simple was very effective.  The sound design by Frank Rodriguez was right on point. The entire design gave the audience a feeling of the world closing in on the three characters, and if this is what the Acosta had in mind, it worked beautifully and effectively.

“Cuba: Punto X” produced by MeLu Communications Group and Latin Jazz USA Productions, with OLLANTAY Center for the Arts at the Producers’ Club Theatre in New York City for a limited engagement was a complete theatrical hit.