By Jasmine Turner |Staff Writer|
Enthusiasts soared like butterflies in the CSUSB play, “Black Butterfly”, written by Luis Alfaro and directed by Johanna Smith, a story of young Latina girls growing up in the rural areas of East Los Angeles.
Smith put the story in the perspective that, “Truth is inspiring and reality is inspiring. These girls growing up is amazing and their stories are amazing.”
After the performance, a few students shared their thoughts on the play.
“The Theater Department did a great job covering the ethnic side of the play and the thoughts of young people,” said Tanjanice Marks.
“This is something that needs to be seen in middle school through high schools,” continued Marks.
“Black Butterfly” shows the challenges and experiences each young girl faces in every area of their life, taking you on a journey into the teenage mind.
“The plays message and acting was great,” said CSUSB President Tomás Morales. “This message is what girls need to hear.”
I spotted two young ladies chatting in the foyer and interviewed them on their thoughts on the production.
“While watching the play, I was reminiscing those tough times at that age, and the 90’s soundtrack playing,” chuckled Fatima Adorne, a CSUSB Alumni.
“Young girls should see this play because the message never leaves you, and you still have those same thoughts now as a woman,” said Carly Chavez, a CSUSB Alumni.
Other attendees expressed their feelings of excitement about finally having something to reach the young Latina generation.
“I’m going to do my best to get this play in the Fontana School District,” said BarBara Chavez, president of the board of education.
While watching the play, the atmosphere was full of entertainment, as audience members were dazzled by each character’s colorful and adolescent humor.
The music played between scenes was very funky and had a Latin feel. Each character had colorful costumes that matched their character perfectly. The actors did a fabulous job portraying their characters and making them relatable.
A series of poems titled “Ten Things Girls Say To Each Other,” where the girls discuss multiple topics such as uncomfortable interactions with boys and favorite television shows, made the scenes relatable for an audience of young girls.
The audience shared plenty of oohs, awes, and laughter when characters said their lines.
“I can’t wait to get older, so I can ride in a convertible at night,” said Monica, played by Estrella Silva.
The audience cheered on the characters in the last scene, “Girl Manifesto”, where the girls now women, come to self-realization, that they are who they are and that’s fine.
“I’m the super girl of my comic book,” said Dolores, played by Daniella Lockhart.
“Black Butterfly” was definitely a box office hit and if rated on a scale of one to five, I would give it five paws.
It just goes to show theater has a message for everyone, including young people.
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