Meet Dulce Maria Solis, comedienne, actor, writer, and a Latina. She’s the creator and star of “Dr. Pujas Red Dot”, a comedic online web series that has Dulce Maria playing the role of an Indian doctor handing out ill-loved advice. As successful as that role has been, YouTube views in the thousands for some episodes, for the next few days and as part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival, Dulce Maria will take on a more serious role and one she knows far too well.
Playing the role of her own mother in “Chela”, a dark and modern theatre piece inspired by her mother’s abusive relationships and struggle for a stable life, Dulce Maria explores her own issues with men, her family, and of course, her mother.
In this conversation where the young creative invites you to check out the play, we talk about the human condition of acceptance, denial and triumph, and about introducing the Latino community to theatre as a means of entertainment and therapy.
Here on forward, read the behind story to “Chela”, as told to Hilda Gabriela by Dulce Maria Solis.
My mom’s name is Graciela, “Chela” for short, and this play is an intimate look into her life. Ever since I was 8 years old I knew I wanted to share her life with other people. I didn’t know if I would write a book or write a play but I knew that I had to tell her story.
“Chela” covers themes like immigration and domestic violence. The main character is my mother, “Chela”, the others are characters that were important in my mom’s life during the time that all of this chaos was happening.
Playing the role of my own mother has been very therapeutic for me. Which is a good thing because I’ve never paid for therapy. Ss Latinos we’re raised to think that it’s ridiculous to pay for that! So I’ve been able to get a lot of healing out of this play and have been able to get rid of this chip that I had on my shoulder about what happened to my family and why it went on for so long.
There’s a scene in the play, which I was actually just talking to my director about, when my character says, “…in the corner of my eye I can see Dulce Maria watching wide eyed…” Every time I say that line it’s as though someone is taking a hook to my heart and making it flutter. After all the times I’ve performed that line, the feeling hasn’t changed. It’s…amazing.
My mom has seen the play but had no positive or negative thing to say about it. You kind of have to know her to understand her. She has no opinion on anything. After watching the play, she probably said something like “Ok. Let’s go. Time to eat”. I don’t think she feels indignant about me making a story about her and exposing her story. That’s just how most of my family is.
Theatre is definitely a venue that the Latino community needs to explore. I know it’s helped my family, the people that collaborated in the project, and myself. As an actor, theatre is a way to expose your feelings, and as a viewer it’s a way for you to feel connected to someone that has also gone through the same experiences as you. I know you’re supposed to have a certain audience in mind when doing a play, but I’ve found that both young and older groups enjoy it and get something valuable out of “Chela”. The sixteen to college level audience love its comedic approach and the older crowd seems to feel an attachment to it because it’s nostalgic for them. It’s like they’re seeing their own life experiences on the stage.
People should see it because it’s a real story with a gamut of emotions. It’s a great introductory piece for those new to theatre, and a piece that will provoke thought and stay with people for days.
“Chela” is playing right now at the Hollywood Fringe. June 17-18 and 24-25 in the Dorie Theatre at The Complex on 6476 Santa Monica Blvd.
Tickets $15 or 2-for-$20 at the door or online. Check out the schedule of performance here, and get a glimpse of Dulce Marias “Dr. Pujas Red Dot” web series above.
*video uploaded by: dulcemariasolis
