Written
by Steve Peterson
Actor/director Emanuel
Loarca, founder of Akabal Theatre, is the creator and director behind the play Under
My Skin running March 26th
– April 23rd at the Macha Theatre in WeHo, Thursdays at 8PM with a pre-show
in the lobby starting at 7:30pm.
You’ve performed in more than 90 plays as an actor. How did you get started directing? What was the first play you directed?
You’ve performed in more than 90 plays as an actor. How did you get started directing? What was the first play you directed?
When I was 18, I met the late Alba Oms, my beloved acting teacher and director whom I studied with for several
years at the Puerto Rican Travelling Theatre. She mentored me
and showed me the ropes.
The first play I directed professionally was Blood
Wedding at Teatro el Puente in Brooklyn, New York. It was there that I
learned the importance of community. I was so inspired by those kids who
came from difficult backgrounds and challenges. They showed me that you can do anything you
put your minds to.
Tell us about Akabal, the
theatre company you founded.
As an actor, I got tired of the stereotype, one-dimensional
characters I would get called in for.
I wanted to tell stories that could empower our American Latino Community and
also help me develop my craft and I wanted a place to create original works
that would be poignant and funny and always celebrating the human spirit.
The name Akabal comes from the
Mayan. It is a sign that means knowledge
from the past enlightens the future.
What was the genesis of
this play? Where did the idea come from?
How did you find the source material?
Several years ago, I was sitting in the Village at
the Ed Gould Plaza (Los Angeles LGBT Center) when I came up with the concept
for Under My Skin. Originally,
I wrote it as a one-act, with the idea that I would one day develop it into a
full length play that I could direct.
In 2014, Akabal Theatre, the company I founded, was given the opportunity
to produce the play at the One City One Pride Festival with the proviso that
besides the topic of love, the play would also address marriage equality for
disenfranchised communities; I wanted to make the play about the human
experience and not about sexual choices or the sexual act. I called in favors from international writer-
friends of mine, and they responded with poignant pieces. From those pieces I learned about the
challenges culture, religion and traditions have in the lives of people who
love differently.
What is the play about?
While
at a wedding, six characters share their personal experiences, based on real
life stories about being different, being rejected, and just wanting to be loved
unconditionally. This drama explores
with humor what lives under the skin of survivors of intolerance, homophobia,
and transphobia enhanced with song, and movement celebrating the joy of
culture, unbreakable faith and the power of self-acceptance. The play is performed in
English and Spanish with subtitles in both languages.
“Under My Skin” was the
only theatre piece invited to perform at the One City One Pride LGBTQ Arts
Festival. How did it go?
It went amazingly well. It was standing room only. The Akabal creative team and cast felt so
honored to have the opportunity to share our voices, our stories with a
different audience, in a different language.
The play was followed by a Q & A. It was such a beautiful night!
What would like to see as a
result of someone seeing “Under My Skin”?
I hope everyone has a great time and that the play
makes them think and challenges old information, and brings communities
together with more compassion and understanding.
Is there something else
coming up for you---something you’re preparing to direct, or as an actor an
upcoming appearance in film, TV, or theatre?
Yes, I am set to direct “Unbreaking” a short film
about the complicated relationship between a father and his son. I am also working on a script for a TV pilot
series drama; based on the life of a theater director who is working on a play
with similar themes as Under My Skin, which force him to confront
issues in his own life
Is there anything else you
want us to know about you, Akabal, or this play?
Everyone involved in the Akabal Theatre production
of Under My Skin is thankful for all the love and support from friends
and followers. This is what fuels us to continue
to create original works of and for social awareness.
Tickets: $25. Seniors/Students/Groups: $20. Mature material. Ages 18+.
Buy Tickets/Info: www.brownpapertickets.com or (917) 689-4567. The
play is being performed in association with Macha Theatre, 1107 N. Kings Road,
West Hollywood
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