Multi-cultural cast unites for inspirational 'Real Women Have Curves'

By F. Scott Karlan - For The Californian | Wednesday, June 25, 2008 8:27 AM PDT ∞

She arrived in this country with her family at the age of six months, went through the naturalization process and became a citizen. Her father is American, her mother Filipino. In school, she was teased not just for her multicultural background, but because of her curves.

Her name is Lissa Supler, director of "Real Women Have Curves," performing live on stage from Thursday through Sunday at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater.

"I'm attracted to this play for several reasons," Supler said. "Most of America is not a size 2 but typically 8 and above. There are lots of full-figured gals. And when we hear the phrase 'Real Women Have Curves,' our response is an emphatic 'Well, yes!' "

The play, written in 1990 by Josefina Lopez, focuses on the subject of immigration as well as the social scene.

"For people living in Temecula and the surrounding communities, immigration is a hot issue on everyone's mind," she said. "This play offers audiences the opportunity to see and perhaps gain a better understanding of what it's like to be 'legal' or not quite legal yet, hoping for that green card. Also analyzed in the show is that ever-present label of 'alien.' "

The story takes place in 1987 in East L.A. right after amnesty is declared. Five full-figured Latina women work in a tiny sewing factory, an environment that seems to echo that of a torturous sweatshop. Aside from the harsh working conditions, the women experience emotional situations and share personal problems involving immigration, feminism, personal weight issues, and what it means to live life as a woman. The play is told with a realistic, honest perspective, but is often funny at the same time.

Whether or not you've seen the popular movie starring America Ferrera, the stage version is just as charming, just as poignant, and just as relevant to society. Clearly, the cast and director expressed appreciation for the experience of having been associated with this production.

"We've endured a few technical challenges associated with the language in the text, the dialects, speech patterns and rhythms." Supler said. "But we really made some valuable discoveries on one particular rehearsal day. The cast and I sat in a circle and discussed our respective backgrounds. That conversation was fascinating due to the variety of our personal cultures, the mixture in our backgrounds; Mexican-Italian; American-Pilipino. I mean, nobody was 100 percent anything."

They spoke at length about the uniqueness of each of their childhoods. But they especially wanted to discover similarities within their mini melting pot, what they have in common regarding race, culture, beliefs, and as women in today's society.

Three of the performers, Sylvia Asmussen (who portrays Pancha), Maria Calderazzo (as Estela), and Lisa Zion (Carmen) are Latina while Amanda Mandelcom (Ana) and Jesse Schiffmacher (Rosali) are white.

Calderazzo comes from a Mexican-Italian family and is bilingual. During the rehearsal process, she became the unofficial vocal coach for those who were less familiar with certain vocal patterns, pronunciations and definitions.

"Although 'Real Women' takes place in '87, the messages in the show are still just as important today," she said. "This play is for everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, or background."

Asmussen has worked for the League of United Latin American Citizens, an organization that focuses on helping young women pursue an education.

"I'm proud of my heritage, and I just hope that at the end of the day all of us can smile and laugh," she said. "This experience has been wonderful, the cast learning so much from each other. And I trust audiences will learn from what we've created."

Zion grew up in a home where culture was not really celebrated. But she went to college, became educated and bilingual herself.

"I'm so excited to be a part of this all-minority cast, the first of its kind to be presented in Temecula," she said. "The show is very empowering to women of all ages, it highlights the special bond that women share."

Schiffmacher expressed her appreciation for the play's statements about "feminism, equality, and self-esteem."

Then she fondly described the joyous discovery made by her character.

"Rosalie is rather reserved and prefers to be in the background," Schiffmacher said. "But she experiences a wonderful transformation during the course of the show. Basically, Rosalie's opinion of herself improves and she learns that it's perfectly okay to be 'you' regardless of the color of your skin, the weight of your body, or the culture from which you emerged.

"I just hope the play helps people who may not be very happy with themselves to feel a boost of self-respect and a positive outlook on life."

Supler expressed her hope that "folks step out of their comfort zone and choose to see something other than the typical mainstream shows that tend to make repeated appearances."

"'Real Women' is different from the norm. It communicates relevant social and political themes that affect all of us," she said. "As we get closer to the presidential election, McCain, Obama, and others in the spotlight surely will resurrect discussion about whether to build the wall or declare amnesty."

Editor's note: Parents should be advised the play contains adult themes and situations.

"Real Women Have Curves"

When: 8 p.m. June 26-28; 2 p.m. June 28; 1 p.m. June 29

Where: Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula

Tickets: $14-$20

Info: (866) 653-8696