REVIEW: Isla at WP Theater

A felt and touching visual piece

Molly Serenduke

Hit the Lights! presentation of Isla at WP Theater is very nicely produced. There are many inventive and engaging visual elements done through shadow, movement, puppets and projections. The live guitarist aids the already strong singing. In terms of mood and tone, the play works in many regards. The use of audio of real interviews colors the story of three sisters fleeing communist Cuba in search of freedom. The real-life story is amazing, really, and inspiring. The show offers a nice reminder of wonderful aspects about the United States, despite our current missteps.

At the center of this piece is a touching, felt, and compassionate story about family and the pursuit of happiness. The weakness of Isla is that when the play deviates from the story, the show loses steam.

Photo by Rebecca J Michelson

Isla began as a 10-minute play in the International Human Rights Arts Festival, and this makes a lot of sense. In a shorter version, this piece would really excel, but unfortunately, in its current form, it just doesn't have the legs for a consistently compelling, full evening. Interesting visual elements look very nice, but because whole sections of the piece rely so heavily on these visuals, it doesn't have enough to keep you truly engaged the whole time.

Hit the Lights! proves themselves here as a strong company. There are really lovely, touching aspects to this play. The actual story at the center is beautiful, but there are some sections that drag.

The visual achievements here can't be overlooked. You leave the show knowing that a real vision was realized very nicely, it's just that the infrastructural story has not been implemented to pace and sustain through 75 minutes.

This is a piece I left thinking, truly, that with some adjustments, it really could be exceptional.