July 6 - July 12, 1995

B y  J a n a  R i v e r a

WHAT DO YOU get when you combine brilliant writing with superb acting and flawless direction? Answer: Borderlands Theatre's production of The True History of Coca-Cola in Mexico.

Patrick Scott and Aldo Velasco, two young and frighteningly talented playwrights, met at the University of Washington in Seattle as undergraduates in the drama department. There they joined forces to write a play about the economic and cultural conquest of Mexico by the United States.

Now if you're thinking that may be an interesting topic for a doctoral dissertation, but a dull one for the stage, think again. Scott and Velasco tell their story with hilarious wit, manic energy and insight and wisdom far beyond their combined age, which probably doesn't add up to 50.

The True History of Coca-Cola is not so much a play about the clash of American and Mexican cultures as it is a journey of self-discovery for the two playwrights. Scott and Velasco write in their notes, "We began to question our motives as playwrights and the role that we were playing in this cultural exchange was thrown into doubt. The result of this confusion is our play."

The plot unfolds under the guise of a trip taken by Scott (a post-modern mixed-media conceptualist) and Velasco to film a documentary of the exploitation of Mexicans by corporate American interests. In the Borderlands production, both playwrights participate directly--Scott plays himself in the play and Velasco directs. The part of Aldo is portrayed by Roberto Guajardo.

The three of them fly through a few hundred years of history. Guajardo and Scott portray more than 35 characters, including five Mexican presidents, Pancho Villa, several obnoxious American tourists, three amusing Mexican soap opera stars and the entire Tamayo family--a poor farming family about to lose their land to a shopping mall and the ideal victims for the documentary. What luck!

The sly irony of this complex little piece subtly permeates the audience through humor and clever surprises. At the very least, you'll reflect upon the intrusive nature of American commercialism, not only outside our borders but in our own lives.

Scott's and Guajardo's vigorous, nonstop performances (90 minutes without an intermission) are assisted by efficient scene and costume designs by Robert E. Fuecker and Barb Portinga.

Borderlands Theatre's production of The True History of Coca-Cola in Mexico continues with 8 p.m. performances Wednesday through Saturday, and at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, through July 16. Tickets are $10, available at PCC West Campus cashier's office, Antigone Books, and Jeff's Classical Records. Call 882-7406 for reservations and information.

Cutline: Patrick Scott and Roberto Guajardo give stellar performances in The True History of Coca-Cola in Mexico.

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