The life of an immigrant isn’t easy, and this story about two brothers seeking to find their way is masterfully told in ‘littleboy/littleman’ playing at the Geffen Playhouse through November 2.
Brothers Bastian Monteyero (Alex Hernandez) and Fíto Palomino (Marlon Alexander Vargas) are fighting for their identity as Nicaraguan immigrants. One taking on their mother’s surname and the other assimiliating to American culture by adopting a more “white” sounding name, the two clash over their idea of the “American Dream”
Written by Rudi Goblen ‘littleboy/littleman’ drills down on the fundamental differences between the two. One brother is hardworking and clear about his purpose, while the other begrudgingly feels obligated to acquiesce to his brother’s demands that he work a real job instead of following his own dream.
Fito dreams of being an entrprenuer and performer, while Bastian struggles as a telemarketer raising money for conservative issues. Issues that impacts immigrants like them.
The brothers’ trauma bond over the excruciatingly painful death of their beloved mother while trying to balance life while making ends meet on Bastian’s sole earnings.
After the two have a falling out, with Fito being cast from their apartment, Bastian finds himself regretting his treatment of his brother, but is it too late to make amends?
Banished from his home, Fito faces the ultimate ‘American Horror Story’ as he encounters an overly aggressive police officer who stands in his way to his true happiness of owning a Vegan restaurant and reconciling with Bastian.
Goblen also offers a glimpse into the other side of the immigrant experience as some parts of the play are in Spanish (with no subtitles). It can be frustrating not to know what is being said during those moments, which in turn provides insight into the other side of immigrants navigating a predominantly English-speaking society. Not wanting to lose their native tongue, they try and use it as much as possible, hence one of the brothers attempts to shun the family name for “work”.
It is a modern tragedy that befalls many families, non-immigrants alike, when it comes to realizing your purpose while facing your harshest critics. Your loved ones.
The acting under the direction of Nancy Medina is thoughtful and carefully choreographed. The use of their bodies and voices projected through the intimate Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater which was the perfect setting for this production. It would have been nice to have monitors dictate the Spanish portions of the play, but that would have taken away from the authenticity of Goblen’s work in truly immortalizing the TRUE immigrant experience.
‘littleboy/littleman’ provides the perfect blend of poetry, drama, comedy, and music through the accompaniment of musicians Dee Simone (Drummer) and Tonya Sweets (Bassist), who keep the crowd moving with timely interjections of sound.
‘littleboy/littleman’ should most definitely be added to your “must see” theatre list before it closes Nov. 2.
“littleboy/littleman” Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90024, geffenplayhouse.org, (310)-208-2028.