Frida…A Self-Portrait, Union Arts Center

I quite enjoyed Frida…A Self-Portrait, a one woman show written and performed by Vanessa Severa. Frida is at her famous home Caza Azul, talking to an architect interested in her house. Severa weaves Frida’s life story with giving Frida a voice through speaking/monologuing to this visitor in her home. Severa occasionally breaks the fourth wall to speak of how she related to Frida.

I’m a fan of Frida Kahlo, but I wouldn’t call myself a superfan or anything. Still, I know a bit about her life and work.  I didn’t really learn anything new here, but I loved Severa’s performance. Severa doesn’t particularly look like Frida Kahlo. What was engaging about this show was the way Severa used clothing and her body as props to tell the story. The stage is simple clothesline with multiple outfits that Severa not only wears but uses as props to tell her story. I knew Kahlo had been in a horrible bus accident. Severa’s performance, with just herself, no effects, was absolutely heart-wrenching. Her entire performance of Frida and Diego’s early marriage was profoundly moving. The way Severa conveyed the despair of Frida’s miscarriages to the infidelities and fallout. This entire section was extremely impactful.

The end did feel slightly unfinished. Frida Kahlo put all of herself out there in her art, but so much about her choices still remain a mystery. Frida experienced so many challenges, but continued to fight and produce her art. At the same time, her obsession with Diego Rivera is bewildering. Ultimately, Frida herself crafted some mystery about herself. Maybe this is why she remains such a fascinating figure.

You can see Frida..A Self-Portrait at Union Arts Center through June 28.