February 11, 2004

Real Women onstage at CSUS

In the stifling confines of an East LA sewing factory five full-figured Latinas share their fears, hopes and dreams in the outrageous comedy Real Women Have Curves set to open at California State University, Sacramento at 8 p.m., Feb. 26, in the Playwrights’ Theatre. The run continues Feb. 27 to 29 and again March 4 to 7. Showtime on weekdays and Saturdays is 8 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

Playwright Josefina Lopez’ semi-autobiographical tale is told through the eyes of Ana, a recent high school graduate toiling in the factory. Her idealistic quest to escape the barrio and sweatshop life draws ridicule, and Ana resents the other seamstresses. But through the pressure to meet overwhelming production deadlines, to avoid the Immigration and Naturalization Service and to meet society’s unrealistic standards of beauty, the women talk. And Ana comes to know them as the real women they are, respect them, and honor their work.

Ana, Estela, Carmen, Pancha and Rosali bond, defending themselves against exploitation from employer and society alike. Ana records their mutual experience in a journal, practicing the craft of writing with the hope of becoming a famous author. By play’s end the skill opens a new door for her.

CSUS professor Manuel Pickett directs the play. Using just one set, the sewing factory floor, he tells a story that is a microcosm of the Latina immigrant experience. Pickett and his cast of five present a rich tale of empowerment interwoven with comedy.

Tickets are $15 general, $8 for students and seniors, and available from the CSUS Ticket Office at (916) 278-4323 or Tickets.com. Media assistance is available through CSUS public affairs at (916) 278-6156.

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