RACC Presents Local Premiere of Escobar’s Hippo
Latisha Kelly
December 9, 2024 - On November 17, 2024, Reading Area Community College (RACC) Theater Department performed Escobar's Hippo: Based on a True Colombian Conundrum, a new play by award-winning playwright Franky D. Gonzalez. The play, directed by Ellen "Dash" Walter, staged at RACC's Miller Center for the Arts, centers around the fascinating and little-known true story of the hippos that were introduced into Colombia by the infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar, exploring the unexpected consequences of Escobar’s actions. After Escobar’s death, his private zoo, which included a group of hippos, was left unchecked. The hippos eventually escaped into the wild, becoming an invasive species and posing environmental challenges in Colombia.
In a small Colombian town along the Magdalena River, chaos erupts when a mischievous and destructive hippo arrives, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. This flatulent, easily offended, and incredibly adventurous animal quickly becomes a force to be reckoned with, wreaking havoc on the once-peaceful town. The situation takes a surreal and alarming turn when the townspeople begin to transform into hippos, sparking nwidespread panic and social upheaval as humans, now evolving into "Hipposapiens," trample over one another in a bizarre, animalistic frenzy.
As the town falls into disarray, three friends band together to uncover the strange connection between these transformations and the infamous drug lord, Pablo Escobar. Their journey becomes a race against time as they attempt to find a way to stop the escalating crisis before the human race is overrun by hippos.
This uproarious and absurd play, inspired by the works of Eugène Ionesco, particularly Rhinoceros and The Killer, uses dark comedy to explore the dangerous consequences of surrendering one's humanity in favor of base instincts and self-gratification. Through humor and chaos, it raises important questions about the erosion of societal values, the loss of individuality, and the dangers of blind conformity. As the play unfolds, the audience is forced to confront the absurdity of the situation while grappling with its deeper, more serious implications.
At its core, this play is a reflection on the dehumanizing effects of power, greed, and indulgence, highlighting the fine line between civilization and chaos. With a mix of wild absurdity and chilling insights, Escobar’s Hippos is a bold, thought-provoking exploration of the unexpected and sometimes dangerous consequences of living without limits.
Promotional poster for Escobar’s Hippo (source: The Miller Center for the Arts, Reading Area Community College)
Gonzalez’s script masterfully blends historical fact with poignant drama, turning this bizarre and humorous situation into a compelling narrative. The cast brought these characters to life with impressive depth and energy:
Jeremy Weaver as the narrator
Justin Perez as Bernardo
Justin Medina as Juan
Samantha Pineiro as Dalis
Susanna Naugle as the mysterious Cat
Kaysha Rivera, Annalis Ortega, Nayla Wansley, Madison Hill, and Jaia Rahn as the townspeople
Tim Spatz as Escobar’s Hippo,
Madison DJ Fields, TJ Trivic, NancyRose Dotterer, Max, Jewel, Alastair Krick, and Bianca “Bee” Kline as the production crew
The production, while humorous at times, also raised thought-provoking questions about the unintended consequences of human actions, both on the environment and on society. The hippos, once a symbol of Escobar’s wealth and power, transformed into a living representation of the chaos he left behind. The play reminds us that our actions, even those taken in the pursuit of personal gain, can have consquences.
Celebrating the Jewish New Year:
A Conversation with Professor Margie Kerbel
Zara Quintana
October 10, 2024 - Wednesday marked the start of Rosh Hashanah, a sacred and significant holiday for those of the Jewish faith, a time for reflection and renewal falling during the late summer or early autumn. Professor Marjorie A. Kerbel shared the importance of this holiday.
Q: For anyone who might not know, What's Rosh Hashanah?
A: Rosh Hashana is the Jewish New Year. It is a time of reflection, prayer, and planning for the upcoming year. Rosh Hashanah means head of the year in Hebrew.
Q: How do people celebrate Rosh Hashanah?
A: Family and friends worship in synagogue followed by a festive meal. The shofar (ram's horn) is blown to remind Jews to think about their sins from the past year and ask G-d for forgiveness and to be written in the Book of Life for another year. On the afternoon of Rosh Hashana, many participate in a ceremony where you throw bread into a river or stream. This symbolizes throwing away your sins from the year and starting a fresh new year.
Q: On a personal level, what does Rosh Hashanah mean to you and how do you and your family celebrate?
A: My family and I attend synagogue and then get together to have a festive meal.
Q: Are there any specific symbols or items used in Rosh Hashanah?
A: On Rosh Hashana, we eat apples dipped in honey to pray for a sweet new year. We also eat pomegranate seeds. There are 613 seeds in pomegranate to remind us that all of us should do 613 good deeds each year.
Q: Have you seen any shifts in how people celebrate today versus how they would celebrate say 20-30 years in the past?
A: Celebrations have not changed over the last 20-30 years for me and my family and friends.
Q: What is your earliest memory of this holiday? What do you remember about celebrating this holiday when you were younger?
A: My fondest memories are having Rosh Hashanah dinner with my grandparents and some close friends, who are our chosen family. Several of the women would make matza balls for the soup and we would do taste tests on which were the best. The Cantor from the synagogue would stop by the house and play his guitar and sing with us after dinner.
A Production to be Moved by:
Spitfire Grill
Hartej Singh
October 7, 2024 - On October 5th, Genesius Theatre hosted the production of Spitfire Grill, a heartwarming and enthralling musical. I was lucky enough to attend the showing and sit just feet away from the stage! As the musical began, I was quickly immersed in art entertainment.
“Spitfire Grill” is a musical about a woman named Percy, newly released from prison. She moves to a fictional small town named Gilead, where she is initially not really welcomed. The only person who welcomes her is Joe, the town's sheriff, who we later find out has a crush on Percy. Joe offers her a job at the Spitfire Grill, where she meets Hannah, who becomes Percy's grandmother figure. Hannah has a son, Eli, who went AWOL in the military. No one in the town really knew what happened to him, so it came as a surprise when he appeared one day. Everyone was freaked out, and only Percy and Hannah accepted him into the Spitfire. The show ends with Hannah giving the Spitfire to Percy and another character named Shelby. Percy ends things with Joe, and Shelby becomes her own woman after leaving her controlling husband.
After the show, I had the opportunity to interview Shara Althen, who plays Percy; I asked her what her favorite memory of the show was. This was her response, “I really loved the first rehearsal. You get to meet your fellow castmates and really get into a groove that lasts you the entire show. I also loved the opening when you get to perform all your hard work in front of an audience for the very first time.”
I also interviewed the Director of the show, James Haggerty. He explained what his favorite memory of the show was. “First night, when everyone gets to see your vision of the show, and you get everyone’s feedback, when the set is all together, and you truly see what your months of hard work have been for.”
Overall, this musical was a heartwarming, at times comedic drama that you would have to see to believe. I recommend attending a showing if ever given the opportunity; it is truly a timeless tale.
Learn more here: https://genesiusdifference.org/the-spitfire-grill/
