By: Darryl Reilly
I’m flying! I soar above everything! I am invincible!
Will a vivacious young Mexican woman’s dream of being a bullfighter come true? That question is the fulrum of playwright Monet Hurst-Mendoza’s enchanting drama with entrancing stylized dance sequences Torera.
Spanning 1992 to 2007, we follow the Dickensian life journey of the feisty 13-year-old Elena. Her bullfighter father died during an event some years earlier. His compadre, the wealthy star married bullfighter Don Rafael magnanimously hired Elena’s widowed mother Pastora as his housekeeper. Elena has subserviently grown up with Don Rafael’s indulged son Tanok who has been groomed to succeed his father in the ring; she has become obsessed with the sport and demonstrates talent for it. A tempestuous and romantic bond has developed between the two adolescents; that is complicated by Don Rafael’s pragmatism and imperiousness. Elena goes off to college and supports herself as a housecleaner; Tanok pursues her.
Ms. Hurst-Mendoza’s dreamy, authentic, and engaging scenario is enforced by her pointed dialogue; the fable-type plot plays out with momentum, symbolic flourishes, and startling revelations. Director and choreographer Tatiana Pandiani’s vigorous physical staging and striking dance numbers with grand depictions of bulls, visually and tonally fulfills Hurst-Mendoza’s idiosyncratic artistic vision. Then there are the ravishing performances.
From spirited girlhood to wiser young adulthood, Jacqueline Guillén is captivating as Elena. With her soaring voice, emotional range, and lithe physicality, Ms. Guillén offers a moving and full-bodied characterization. As Tanok, the boyish and beaming Jared Machado winningly conveys youthful passion, romance, and paternal resentment.
Stately, yet volatile Elena Hurst’s soulfulness enriches her intense maternal portrayal of Pastora. The imposing Jorge Cordova brings depth to the villainous Don Rafael through his shaded performance. Christian Jesús Galvis and Andrea Soto equally dazzle during their mesmerizing dance appearances.
Scenic designer Emmie Finckel’s fabulous hacienda and floral-laden grounds are the ideal landscape for this theatrical tale. Yuki Nakase Link’s shimmering lighting design accentuate the fantastical elements and complement the realism. Composer G Clausen’s atmospheric original music and effects are rendered by his crisp sound design. From gorgeous bullfighting outfits to everyday clothing, Rodrigo Muñoz’s costume design more than pleases. Co-movement and intimacy coordinators Carter Gill and Skye Bronfenbrenner, and bullfighting consultant Rodrigo Ortiz, contribute considerably to the production.
Torera is a thoughtful and affective entertainment, beautifully presented. It is co-produced produced by the WP Theater (Women’s Project Theater) which was founded in 1978 with the mission “to address the significant under-representation of women in theater,” Long Wharf Theatre, The Sol Project, and Latinx Playwrights Circle.
Torera (through October 19, 2025)
WP Theater (Women’s Project Theater) 2162 Broadway, in Manhattan
For tickets, visit www.wptheater.org
Running time: one hour and 40 minutes with no intermission