Words: Elodie Marriott
Image: Paulina Chavez

3 stars

Based on playwright Conchi León’s novel Pedro Páramo, Comala, Comala follows a son, Juan Preciado, who ventures into the land of the dead to seek revenge on his father. The original Mexican musical projects the English translations just above the performers and features beautiful lines about the complexity of family: “Blood is not only a thread that binds, it tangles.”

The show’s set is extraordinarily immersive, aided by a shot of mezcal on entry which lingers in your mouth for the entire show. Bottles, candles, and tambourines are strewn across the drum-like tables, blurring reality. The cast of eight remain on stage throughout the show. Sometimes this is confusing; multiple people have two or more roles. The shifts are signalled by slight additions of clothing or prop. But it also works well to heighten the tension of this dark tale.

The music by Pablo Chemor cultivates an eerie folkloric atmosphere by playing traditional instruments, even using a skull as percussion. The cast drum their fingers rhythmically on the drum tables to mimic the sound of a running horse. It is extremely foreboding and effective.

Comala, Comala’s international debut is a surreal retelling with alluring live music and a haunting story.

Comala, Comala
ZOO Southside, Studio
17:15
Aug 5-6, 8-12, 14-19, 21-25