A witty and insightful look into work, life, the dynamics of power, class and race and the manipulation of status as a minority.

Mexican-born novelist Lucia is struggling to get her TV writing colleagues to see past her ethnicity and gender in the writing room. So when she meets fellow Latina/x, a janitor named Abel, she latches on and they become close friends. Soon stories from Abel’s life start finding their way into Lucia’s scripts, to great success, due to their authentic representation of Latina/x people, while at the same time Lucia may be losing herself in this white, corporate world.

Tanya Saracho has delved into so many intricacies in race and class relations in Fade to create a compelling and layered story, most importantly the distinction that being ‘Latina/x’ means sharing some experiences with other Latina/x, including racism and microaggressions like not having their names pronounced incorrectly or having assumptions made about them based on racial stereotypes, but that general life experience varies widely based on wealth and class.

The direction, set design and costuming all work together to drive this message home. Set in Lucia’s office and the hallway just outside her door, with just a peek at the janitor’s cupboard through a translucent wall, the space feels intimate while allowing a lot of unspoken storytelling to occur. Direction by Jeneffa Soldatic creates a relatable office environment. Lucia’s pursuit of friendship with Abel happens through her catching him when they cross in the hallway or sneaking beer into the office and is well paced to create the illusion of months going by.

As Lucia gradually assimilates to her environment, the colourful decorations she has to remind her of home move from pride of place on the shelves to behind cupboard doors, and at the same time her wardrobe transitions from brightly coloured, flowy clothing to tailored neutrals that match the walls around her. Abel remains in his janitorial uniform throughout, adding the occasional hat or different undershirt.

Camila Ponte Alvarez as Lucia and Caspar Hardaker and Abel are great together on stage, believable as awkward acquaintances and close friends in equal part. Alvarez in particular gives a sophisticated performance, owning the energetic and chatterbox elements of Lucia and at the same time powerfully portraying Lucia’s struggle with internalised racism, and ingrained desperation to escape the stereotypes she feels boxed into by being seen as ‘better’ than other Latina/x people by her white colleagues. As Abel, Hardaker is guarded and initially untrusting of Lucia but eventually shows his vulnerable side in a couple of gripping, emotion-laden monologues that explore racism in the justice system and further contextualise the internalised racism in Lucia. As they begin to change as a result of their surroundings, Lucia’s outspokenness about her background fading to match her colleagues and Abel’s growing to match Lucia, the conflict between the characters is painfully powerful.

The marrying of complex social commentary and entertaining theatrical storytelling was superb in Fade, and offers insights non-Latina/x people like myself cannot otherwise access.

Purchase your ticket to Fade here.

Barbera | Wine Pairing

Barbera is a light to medium bodied red varietal that is low on tannin and high in acidity. Notes of sour cherry, strawberry and plum Barbera sings in a variety of contexts. Barbera is a popular wine in Mexico and growing popularity in Australia.

Fade, National Theatre of Parramatta | Tasting Notes

Aussie Season	29 Jul to 5 Aug 2023, National Theatre of Parramatta
Ticket $	$25-35
Writer	Tanya Saracho
Director	Jeneffa Soldatic
Theatre Type & Genre	Play
See it if you like	commentary on race and class
Wine Pairing	Barbera
Criteria for Wine Pairing	Popular in Australia and Mexico