Baipás – A Review
What happens when a person is in a coma or is under anesthesia during an operation? Are they aware of the state their body is in; do they have any sense of whether they will live or die? Can they see and view their life? These questions has been debated for years with few substantial facts offered to provide answers. The play Baipás, written by Jacobo Morales, now at George Street Playhouse, centers around these issues. Under the direction of Julio Monge, the production provides a fascinating look at two people waiting to hear their fates. In addition to the cast of two delivering very poignant performances, the production uses special stage effects and directed lighting to make the tale come alive.
Baipás A Romantic pas de deux and More
This run of Baipás at George Street Playhouse marks the premiere of the American English-language production. It is billed as a romantic pas de deux as it showcases two characters who enter a sort of waiting room between life and death. Lorena, played by Maggie Bofill, comes from the back of the stage and takes a step up onto the empty stage space. She spots the shadow of a couple who appear to be together as they leave the room and head for the side opposite of where she entered. As she watches, they disappear somewhere. Antonio, played by Jorge Luna, next enters the empty stage from the same direction that Lorena entered.
The two begin talking about where they are. Lorena mentions the couple she saw and points to where they went to not sure of what it means. Lorena and Antonio begin to talk about their individual lives and cover the basics like the work they do, marital status, and relationship statuses. Still plaguing them is the question of why they are here and where they are at.
At some point, the couple put the conversation aside and hold each other as they dance. An attraction between them surfaces.They start to talk about having a future together. At some point, the audience learns that Lorena and Antonio are patients at a hospital fighting for their lives. So the calm that radiates from the production is only broken by the sounds of heartbeats and flat-lining. Reality sets in but very calmly.
There is no way I want to ruin the series of events that bring the show to a climax and the end. You will need to see for yourself what happens to these two characters who demonstrate they have learned a great deal about themselves.
Stage Effects and Lighting
Impressive but subtle stage effects and lighting are an important part of developing the story. Although there is a sense of confusion at points in the play, there is also a sense of calm that comes through due to these elements. The sounds of the heartbeats, the light at the area where the shadowy couple went to, and even the basic sounds and music are all effective in helping establish a sense of acceptance and peace. The side panels on the stage come alive with ocean and floral scenes helping Lorena and Antonio to realize what they might have if they live.
This play runs 90 minutes without intermission. The pace is very even throughout and only Lorena and Antonio are ever heard or seen. Admissions about what makes a life enjoyable as well as acceptance of mistakes made are important parts of what takes place. But the fate each life takes may surprise you.
Ticket and Safety Information for Baipás
Baipás plays at George Street Playhouse through March 20. Tickets are available through the theater’s website.
The following statement is on the theater website about CoVid safe practices:
Beginning March 1, 2022, all patrons attending a performance at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) must show proof of vaccination, including a booster if eligible, and a photo ID.
Check the website for more information about health policies.
Photos by T. Charles Erickson
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