Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Anna in the Tropics

I loved this play. I am surprised to see myself type that because I'm really not one who enjoys plays. Maybe I just haven't read the right ones until now, though.

First thing's first, I loved the interpretation of Anna Karenina. I read Anna Karenina two years ago and definitely did not sense the passion within it that Nilo Cruz does. I mean, yeah, there's a love triangle, things are messy, people are trying to follow their hearts in a time when the heart's desires aren't considered that important, there's violence, but somewhere after page 400, finishing the book was more about finishing it than enjoying it. This might have to do with the chapters where we follow Levin's thought processes and learn about all the politics of the time. In any case, it was really inspiring to read Anna in the Tropics because it condenses Tolstoy's moments of magic into an enjoyable experience. I also liked how the presence of Anna Karenina within the play enhances the characters' personalities within the play. Marela is an innocent and beautiful dreamer who doesn't get the man she wants, like Kitty. Cheche and Palomo are the jealous types like Anna's husband (ah I forget his name). Conchita has an affair and discovers new ways to be alive like Anna Karenina.

I think the final scene where Cheche shoots Juan Julian is amazing too. The story parallels his action, and shows the desperation of Cheche. There's no begging for mercy, no explanation of motive required. The audience knows why Cheche is committing the murder and how it will affect the rest of the characters.

3 comments:

  1. I'm not into plays as well, but I loved his one! There was something about it that really allowed me to connect to it in a way that I haven't felt with reading other plays.

    You've read Anna Karenina? That's impressive! I gotta admit, those Russian classics like a wee bit intimidating to me!

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  2. I totally agree! I've read a lot of plays before, but this one was one of the best.

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  3. I'm with all of you. I usually can't stand reading plays. I tried to read Anna Karenina a few years ago on my own and just couldn't get through it. That's cool that you can come from that perspective.

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