27 Oct Review: ‘La Casa Azul’ Brings Frida Kahlo’s Spirit to Life at Contra Costa College

The play “La Casa Azul: Frida’s Blue House” can be seen this weekend at the John and Jean Knox Performing Arts Center at Contra Costa College. (David Padilla)

Review, David Padilla 

Written and directed by Contra Costa College Drama Department Chair Carlos-Manuel Chavarria, “La Casa Azul: Frida’s Blue House” is a powerful exploration into the life of Frida Kahlo. While many may be familiar with Kahlo’s artwork and relationship with Diego Rivera, the play goes deeper into the complexity of her inner world: her hopes, her ambitions, and the pain that shaped her life.

This play, nearing the end of its run at CCC, is a labor of love, a well-researched ethno-drama based on Kahlo’s diary and letters, her official biography, and Chavarria’s personal studies in Mexico City. Every scene feels carefully crafted, built on historical sources and personal insight to show not just Kahlo’s public persona but the private moments that shaped her life.  

Audience members are transported to important moments and locations in Frida’s life and are introduced to key historical figures along the way, including Leon Trotsky and, of course, Rivera. The play also makes note of Frida’s Bay Area connection, as she and Rivera lived and worked in San Francisco during the early 1930s. Scenes fittingly shift into surreal territory, blurring memory and imagination along the way. 

Serving as a guide throughout the story is La Pelona played by Silvia Sobal Cruz. Based on La Cantrina from Rivera’s mural “Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Park,” her commanding presence grounds the audience as the play moves between time and memory. Accompanying her on stage are Calaveras, skeletal figures often used in the Mexican celebration of Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and prominently featured in Kahlo’s work.

Katherine Garcia Vasquez delivers a powerful performance as Kahlo, capturing her defiance and emotional intensity. Playing the role of Cristina Kahlo, Frida’s sister, Vanessa Crisostomo Garcia delivers a heartfelt performance that complements Garcia Vasquez’s presence on stage. A scene shared between the two brings emotions to life, immersing the audience in their story. These performances bring moments of love, conflict and forgiveness to life.  

Special mention goes to Juliana Pearse, Isabella Gallegos, Austin Trenholm, Diego Loza and Shamir Lim for their performances. Taking on roles such as La Llorona, Alejandro and Lupe, they bring movement and storytelling together, offering historical insight into Kahlo’s world while capturing the spirit and surrealism of the Calaveras through expressive choreography. The Calavera costumes are striking, bringing the figures vividly to life on stage.

The production’s set design, lighting and music add depth to the storytelling. A play about Kahlo would be incomplete without her artwork, and Chavarria does a masterful job of weaving in her paintings throughout the play. Live instrumentals and vocals flow throughout the play, with the inclusion of Indigenous vocals that add a strong connection to Mexico’s pre-Hispanic roots.

“La Casa Azul: Frida’s Blue House” is a heartfelt tribute to one of history’s most beloved and influential artists, brought to life by a talented cast and creative team. Local community members should not miss this chance to experience Frida Kahlo’s world on stage. It can be seen three more times at CCC: Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets cost $10 if purchased online and $15 at the door. For more information and tickets, please visit www.ccctheatrelive.com.