BRUTAL LEGACY
‘Atacama’ a powerful tale of search for victims of Chilean dictator
James R. Chávez has done theater for a long time.
When he was approached to audition for “Atacama,” he was on the fence.
“I was hesitant because I asked if the play was bilingual,” he says. “I saw that it was, and it piqued my interest. I auditioned, and the rest is history.”
Chávez joined the powerful play “Atacama,” which will open the performing arts season at the National Hispanic Cultural Center tonight.
The two-person play, written by Augusto Federico Amador, is presented by Teatro Paraguas of Santa Fe.
It is directed by Juliet Marie Salazar, who is making her directorial debut at Teatro Paraguas.
Starring alongside Chávez is Bernadette Peña.
“Atacama” follows Ignacia and Diego, played by Peña and Chávez, respectively.
The two meet in the northern Chilean desert while searching for bone fragments of loved ones “disappeared” by the Pinochet regime.
The pair find a deep and unsettling connection that shakes their souls. Although it has had several staged readings around the country, its opening at Teatro Paraguas in Santa Fe earlier this month and subsequent run at the NHCC are the world premiere of the full production.
Performances have been scheduled to coincide with the 45th anniversary of the U.S.-backed coup d’etat in which the Chilean army, under Gen. Augusto Pinochet, overthrew the democratically elected socialist government of Salvador Allende on Sept. 11, 1973.
Chávez says being part of the play has been interesting because of how powerful it is.
“You have to realize the atrocities that happened back then are still happening today,” he says. “People are still trying to find their loved ones. I didn’t realize how this piece of history has affected so many people in New Mexico. I think the play opens up the conversation for people to speak about their experiences. We have to learn from history.”
Chávez is also looking forward to bridging the gap between the theater communities of Santa Fe and Albuquerque.
“There’s so much talent, and there’s a lot of storytelling,” he says. “I feel really blessed about this opportunity. This group has been able to produce quality theater for both communities.”