The poetic title of Rebeca Aleman’s play, The Delicate Tears of the Waning Moon, may delude you into thinking her play is a sweet love story. But don’t expect a romcom when you enter the small, jewel-box theater space at Instituto Cervantes. The script, while often poetic in its language, is the story of Paulina, a human rights journalist in an unnamed South American country, who has suffered a vicious attack because of her work. Aleman’s script is a horrific story of violence and recovery by women, particularly women journalists, in that country. This fact-based docudrama is directed by Iraida Tapias, a Venezuelan playwright, director and producer.
The play by Water People Theater had its world premiere at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theater in 2019.
We meet Paulina (played by Aleman) as she has come out of a three-month coma and a month of physical therapy. She is beginning her long recovery, aided by her friend, colleague and devoted caretaker, Rodrigo (Eric K. Roberts), who guides her as she slowly recovers movement, language and memory. He teaches her language and speech again, using word cards and photos to help her speak and to bring her memory alive. Paulina gets frustrated, but with Rodrigo’s careful help, she gradually learns to walk and talk. Her progress in memory recovery takes longer—and brings with it revelations of her horrific attack—bit by bit.
Throughout the play, we hear other voices from Paulina’s life and memory: the voices of her mother Antonia (Laura Crotte) and her daughter Anabel (Sofia Ybarra). Projections on the large rear screen tell her backstory and fill in details with news reports of attacks on other journalists in South America and Mexico. Projections are by Marisabel Muñoz and Stephanie Rodrigues.
Aleman’s performance is powerful and full of grief and anger as she regains her memory. Roberts, who played Edgar Allan Poe in WTP’s magical production of North & Sur last year, is a dedicated and sympathetic partner in her recovery.
Music plays a crucial role in the story, with Simón Díaz’s haunting "Tonada de Luna Llena" rekindling Paulina’s lost childhood memories of Venezuela before she fled the dictatorship. Original music and sound design by Lester Paredes and Ludwig Paredes create an effective thread of danger and loss throughout the play. Scenic design, props and costumes are by Marisabel Muñoz. Karen Wallace is lighting designer.
Arrive a little early so you can view the art installation titled Victims in Search of Justice, as a prelude to entering the theater. The exhibit reaffirms the theater company’s defense of press freedom and highlights the issue of femicide.
Water People Theater is a Latina-and immigrant-led company rooted in its Venezuelan heritage. The name—Water People Theater—is inspired by the term used by the Yekuana, an indigenous nation, meaning “people of the wood who create paths in the water.” Aleman, a Venezuelan native, is a journalist and advocate for victims of femicide and those in indigenous communities.
The Delicate Tears of the Waning Moon by Water People Theater continues at Instituto Cervantes, 31 W. Ohio St., through October 4. Running time is 90 minutes, no intermission. The play is performed in English with Spanish subtitles. Buy tickets for $30 with discounts available for performances at 7pm Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
For more information on this and other plays, see theatreinchicago.com.
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