Frida...A Self Portrait
Her full name was Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderón. Known as someone who redefined artistic expression and cultural identity, Frida was a trailblazer who emerged as an influential feminist and an enduring LGBTQI icon. Her self-portraits, filled with vibrant color and rich exemplification, portrayed themes of identity, mortality, and the human experience. Her stormy relationship with artist Diego Rivera influenced her work, which helped her explore the multifaceted nature of suffering and joy, making her a true icon of resilience and artistic innovation. In her 75-minute performance, playwright and performer Vanessa Severo creates a captivating connection between herself and the iconic artist Frida Kahlo. She reveals profound insights into Frida's physical struggles, intricate romantic entanglements, and battles with addiction. Through this compelling exploration, Severo illuminates the striking beauty found within Kahlo's art, painting herself and her situations unapologetically and providing a poignant glimpse into the life and mind of a true creative genius. Frida was born with spina bifida, and at the age of six, she contracted polio, further complicating her childhood. She survived a tragic accident when the bus she was traveling on collided violently with a train at the age of 18, and she was impaled by a handrail that went straight through her pelvis, reshaping her into a resilient Mexican figure. During her last days, she was bedridden with bronchopneumonia and died at the age of 47 in 1954. Frida embodies the essence of women's inner strength, serving as a formidable standard-bearer and standing against adversity, marriage, politics, infidelities, pain, and loss while inspiring others with her remarkable, unyielding spirit.
Vanessa Severo is as captivating as Frida; she has learned much about her since her first presentation of Frida … A Self Portrait. Throughout the years of her performance, she increased her knowledge about Frida by traveling to Mexico City, spending time in Frida's house, and speaking to locals about their experience and relationship with her. Vanessa was born with a congenital disorder that altered the appearance and function of her left hand and found a deep connection to Frida's story. This shared experience of navigating life with physical challenges allowed her to connect with the artist's struggles and triumphs, forging a bridge between their unique journeys and celebrating resilience in the face of adversity.
Severo's one-person performance of Frida...A Self Portrait offered several captivating moments that resonated with the audience. Her one-liner, attributed to Kahlo, "I tried to drown my sorrows, but they learned how to swim," referring to how sorrow arrives and often grows stronger while drinking, and other highlights within the play were gripping. However, I longed for a deeper exploration of the political themes surrounding Frida and her artwork throughout the performance. While Severo beautifully utilized costumes and lighting to showcase Kahlo's heritage and her self-portraits. Still, incorporating more of Frida's political dialogue would have added another layer of depth. The chemistry Severo created between Frida and Diego Rivera within a suit of stage was enchanting. Looking throughout the performance, you can see a silhouette of her performance, which was truly mesmerizing. I found it challenging to engage entirely with her performance during the play.
⭐⭐ 1/2 Stars
Writers Theatre
FRIDA: A Self-Portrait
Written and Performed by Vanessa Severo
Directed by Joanie Schultz
January 23 - February 23, 2025
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