(Photos by Jordan Kubat/SCR)
Written by Patrick Chavis
Culture Clash (Still) In America running now at South Coast Repertory is composed of the Latino comedy group Culture Clash, that has been performing on theatre stages since the 1980s. As one of the comedians mentioned when they started, Ronald Reagan was president. Their brand of comedy has always been politically charged. Even in 2019, with a lot of the controversy over comedians going overboard with their jokes and a very tense political atmosphere, these comedians pulled no punches and unloaded jokes on everyone: African-American preachers, Filipino Republicans, Trump voters and much more.
South Coast Repertory presents “Culture Clash (Still) in America” written and performed by Culture Clash (Richard Montoya, Ricardo Salinas and Herbert Siguenza), directed by Lisa Peterson. Cast: Richard Montoya, Ricardo Salinas and Herbert Siguenza. Julianne Argyos Stage, December 30, 2018 – January 20, 2019.
The show is a combination of skits played out by Richard Montoya, Ricardo Salinas and Herbert Siguenza. While the skits all varied with different characters and ethnicities, what stayed consistent throughout the entire production was the themes: “What is American?” and “Who are Americans?” The show ebbed and flowed from serious to so silly that I couldn’t even stare at the stage during certain moments.
“If you saw the show, you know the part I’m talking about. No one needs to see that. Though, I will say one of those comedians definitely does his squats.”
The show is current and tackles a lot of topics. Terrorism, the border wall, immigration, and discrimination are all discussed. There’s an important message in this show about being who you are and opening a dialogue about sexuality, in this case it was about the Latino communities acceptance of the LGBT community.
It’s funny, and the comedians have some very thoughtful scenes that bring a human face and heart to very serious and difficult topics. It’s an adult show with adult comedy, so your 7-year-old most likely wouldn’t enjoy this.
The show runs about 90 minutes, and that was a little too long for me. With some trimming, I think the show could be even more effective.
December 30 – January 20, 2019
Above Average
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Thank you for the wonderful piece on Grace McLean by Zack Johnston!!