Event Article

Passion, obsession, and conflict spark the domestic family drama of a Spanish family living in the Southwest in Milcha Sanchez-Scott's, "Roosters."

Fullerton College's production, directed by Robert Jensen, sported alternate performances in English and Spanish and as an added incentive, Sanchez-Scott worked closely with Fullerton actors.

Playwright Sanchez-Scott in residence in Fullerton worked closely with Jensen on the production because the play underwent some changes. "She is helping them with character as well as encouraging them as young artists, which is what I find so fabulous," said Jensen.

Against the background world of cock-fighting, a prized rooster becomes a family's symbol of macho patriarchal power. Hector, the son, (Abraham Polanco/Spanish cast, and Adrian Raza/English cast) takes command of the prized rooster initially owned by his grandfather.

The father, Gallo Morales (Adrian Romo/English cast and Jaime Alvarez/Spanish cast) who spent seven years in prison on a manslaughter rap, is dismayed when he learns of his son's inheritance. It becomes a battle for supremacy between the father and the son who is trying to make a better life for his family.

The daughter, Angela, (Brenda Alvarez-Romero/English cast and Rosie Garica/Spanish cast)and her fantasy life are also explored. She is convinced she can fly with a pair of handmade wings and escapes from reality underneath the front porch.

She is devoutly religious and is said to speak with saints and plays with religious icons in a miniature graveyard

"The play is abut an aspect of Latin culture," said Jensen, but it also encompasses universal themes about father and son conflict and the power of imagination. It is a time for younger Latinos to make the world their own, not. to make the mistakes of their parents.

While in residence at Fullerton, Sanchez-Scott spent time with all the actors, encouraging them and giving advice on their characters.

She also gave a speech and visited with the other students on the campus on Saturday and Sunday before the exclusive debut's of her Spanish and English version shows.

With only of couple of changes in casting, "Roosters" remained a very powerful and touching piece of work.

The cast remained very powerful and focused, especially the brilliant portrayal of Angela in the English version by Brenda Alvarez.

"Roosters" was previously produced in New York by INTAR and the New York Shakespeare Festival. The play was also made into a film starring Edward James Olmos and Maria Conchita Alonso.

Jensen directed a variety of productions as a longtime member of the Fullerton Theatre Arts Department faculty. Next semester, Jensen will be directing "Moby Dick."