Purgatory, Soul Evolution, and the Pursuit of Freedom; Halston’s Amitha in its Off-Broadway Debut
"A stagnation of the mind is the worst hell there is…and [in this world] even the battles of his own soul are revealed to him in the shapes of those he’s known during his lifetime...In the many shapes of those, he’s known during his lifetime. What’s your story?" - CLAUDIA, Halston’s Amitha
On the intimate Lower East Side stage of Teatro Latea, lights came up on April 26th, 28th, and 30th to reveal Halston’s Amitha. Written by Tannasia Gonzalez and directed by Albert Xavier, the production made its Off-Broadway debut at the New York Theater Festival for the Spring/Summer lineup.
“This was my directorial debut in theater after writing and directing award winning films. It was an exhilarating experience, working with this amazing cast of talented actors, challenging them in a complicated imaginary scenario that may not be existent (purgatory), getting them to think and encouraging them to fantasize about a world they needed to aspire. Collectively, we accomplished and conquered the ultimate goal, keeping in mind that movies will make you famous, television will make you rich but theater will make you better as an actor and a director.”
— Albert Xavier, Director
As the curtains part, audiences are introduced to Halston, a young man in his twenties who possesses both innocence and bravery. Unexpectedly, he is thrust into a realm that exists beyond the confines of the physical world—a mysterious place where people gather, awaiting an uncertain fate. It is here that the significance of a peculiar sight unfolds—a box, perched upon someone's head, its four sides intricately carved out, takes on a profound new significance. “It means freedom...a time for quiet surrender...or else.”
To escape the confines of the 'wait room', Halston must summon the courage to confront the manifestations of his deepest fears. Embracing vulnerability, he embarks on a daring journey, challenging the very products born from his internal struggle.
“Halston’s Amitha was inspired by the dark place I found myself in after the disastrous failure of my first marriage. I began to imagine a world where the emotional and mental struggles you keep hidden eventually manifest into something unexpected and in unexpected ways. I wanted to show others that it’s important to face your fears and struggles head on sooner rather than later and not to sweep things, you are ashamed of, under the proverbial rug, a practice that has resulted in unnecessary grief and hardship in the lives of so many I’ve known and loved. There is a purpose for everything we experience in this life.”
— Tannasia Gonzalez, Playwright/Producer
Tannasia (aka T) Gonzalez’s raw outpour into their writing brought stellar reviews of the piece. The audience received the story with extreme resonance, provind that the human experience – no matter how messy, tragic, and larger than life it can be – brings us all to an equal place in the end.
“The play was so engaging, deep, and so well acted. [My] friend and I discussed so many facets and messages of spiritual guidance that touched us. Thank you for creating this thought-provoking gem making for an inspiring day for us.”
— Judy Spinner, NY
“Interesting topic and clearly laid out. Ever think about what happens when we die? Halston’s Amitha examines love beyond the grave and how our life does affect our afterlife. It will make you think. Bravo Tannasia (aka T) Gonzalez”
— Frances Scott, NY
“The play ran approximately 40 Minutes and left the entire audience and I wanting more. The standout performer in the play was actress Diletta Guglielmi who played ‘Claudia’. She is the most insightful about the new world that the characters are trapped in because she has been there the longest”
— Evan Guerrera, NY
Time is of the essence, so it is a loaded theoretical question of what would come of one, depending on how long they were to spend in their very own “wait room”.
The writer is sure to be adamant about their intentions for this character, stating that “the role of Claudia had to be played by an actor who could portray great strength and natural leadership. She had to be someone all of the other characters could naturally lean on and trust. Originally, Claudia was written as an older Jamaican woman very stoic and wise in her years and experience. However, when Diletta Guglielmi read for the part, it was clear that we had our Claudia.
With Diletta’s beautiful Italian accent and powerfully projected voice, she commanded the stage, embodied Claudia from the start and captivated the audience.”
Claudia (Diletta Guglielmi) persuading Halston (Alfredo Diaz) to forget the fate of his first wife Amitha and move on to find his true love, Emma.
Diletta Guglielmi recently graduated from Atlantic Theatre Company’s Conservatory, wherein actors equipped with reliable tools to make their work stand out. The Practical Aesthetics method, Suzuki/View Points, Chuck Jones’ and Catherine Fitzmaurice’s voice methodology, and the rest of the foundations that make up the intensive training, along with natural aptitude, could explain how the on-stage chemistry between Guglielmi’s character, Claudia, and the others on stage was palpable.
Claudia (Diletta Guglielmi) talking with Lester (Malcom Boyd) about embracing his “ticket” out of purgatory and moving on despite his fear.
The play is titled Halston’s Amitha, but it is sure that overwhelming significance stemmed from Claudia’s story. Being the longest-residing character in the “wait room”, made her the most qualified to lead those newly-arrived, disoriented, and looking for the next step in their evolution.
Claudia (Diletta Guglielmi) recounting the moment she discovered that her mentally challenged daughter had fallen to her death in a well, in an emotional and tear-jerking monologue.
“Diletta Guglielmi commanded the stage with a soulful performance in “Halston’s Amitha.” From her first appearance, she invited the viewer into a world beyond the physical realm, offering a delicate portrait of a woman at once grieving and trying to guide others to peace. From an imaginative and dark text, Guglielmi emerged with a fierce light that brought hope to a subject we all contemplate with some degree of trepidation: where do we go after this life? As the viewer contemplated this “waiting room,” he naturally couldn’t help but also wonder what is waiting next for Guglielmi.”
— Sara Kahan, NY
The play title’s partial namesake, Amitha, played by Lucille Loren, was portrayed as two characters — Halton’s imagined Amitha and the veritable Amitha. Lucille Loren brilliantly filled both roles, changing costumes and make-up over four times over the seven scenes of the 40-minute play. Loren masterfully depicted Halston’s Amitha’s crazed confusion and desperation for Halston’s attention as well as Real Amitha’s confidence and compassion for the man on his journey of trials and tribulations.
The spirit of Halston’s Amitha (Lucille Loren) by the side of Old Halston (Gordon Rothman) as he sleeps.
Halston (Alfredo Diaz) dancing with his imagined Amitha (Lucille Loren) as he recounts the story of the day they got married and when they started to see things fall apart between them.
The Guards, played by Mako San, J Amir and Juan C. Matos, three very intimidating characters armed with clubs on a mission to remove souls unwilling submit to their guidance.
Denah Seepersaud (Stage Manager), Albert Xavier (Director), Cassidy Jarvis (Stage Manager)
The story of Halston's Amitha is nothing short of unique, and it takes an equally unique cast and crew to bring it to life. The production was brought to life by an international, multicultural, multiethnic, multigenerational group working collaboratively to create one vision. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, the members are unique in their own right. For instance, the stage manager is also a biochemistry student, while the playwright/producer is also a data scientist. This is a true testament to the importance of diversity and representation in the arts. Each person has the opportunity to see themselves in the story.”
— Cassandra Patterson, Production Manager
As always, praise for the backstage crew is in order, as they are the pillars holding any production up for success. Special mentions go to the Director, Albert Xavier and Stage Managers, Denah Seepersaud and Cassidy Jarvis.
Production Assistant, William Zavaleta
“I love the show’s costumes in near black-white. The story talks deep of love, hope, forgiveness.. All actors showed talents of stage performance, especially a 11-yr old young man actor. I got to know the writer, in her book club in 2017, she is not only a great writer but a professional in Health IT, and a super-Mom.”
— Xuming Sun, NY
Cassandra Paterson, Production Manager/Make-up Artist, a critical role in the actors’ visual presentation before and during the show -- including Mother, played by Carole Boniece, who had to quick-change into a bloodied blouse whilst screaming off-stage after discovering her daughter, Amitha, had committed suicide.
It is no doubt that without yet having seen or read Halston’s Amitha, reading this piece alone might leave you thinking it… intense. And rightfully so.
For a play that asks the question, “What happens after we leave this physical world?”, that is the least we could ask for. It was a delicious (and necessary) cherry on top that this cast and crew gave the notion that significant importance, weight of potential consequences, and emotional intensity it deserved.
During your time in this physical world, however, keep up with Halston’s Amitha on https://halstonsamitha.com, and feel free to browse the program of this recent production by clicking here.
