Balm in Gilead (1965). Wilson’s first full-length effort, Balm in Gilead centers on a cafe frequented by heroin addicts, prostitutes (both male and female) and thieves. It features many unconventional theatrical devices, such as overlapping dialogue, simultaneous scenes and largely unsympathetic lead characters. The plot draws a parallel between the amoral, often criminal activity that the café’s denizens engage in to provide temporary relief from their boredom and suffering, and the two main characters’ becoming a couple in order to escape from their lives. The play takes its title from a quote in the Old Testament. (Book of Jeremiah, chapter46, v. 11) .“Go up into Gilead, and take balm, O virgin, the daughter of Egypt: in vainshalt thou use many medicines; for thou shalt not be cured..”
Maria plays a supporting principle ensemble cast member as ‘Judy’, a butch lesbian hooker, a tough but sensitive woman who loves her girlfriend to death and she would do anything for her. She is also very jealous.
The play is in English.
The Opening
It was presented at the Off Off Broadway Theatre HB Playwrights Foundation in New York on 5th December 2013. It run for three weeks.
Cast
Written by Lanford Wilson
Directed by Amy Wright
Stage Manager: Korrina Cragnotti
Cast: Pablo Andrade, Maria Fontanals, Heather Gilbert, Elisa Halma, Ingrid Wheatley, among others.
Set Design: Nikolay Sviridchik
Light Design: Alexander Bartenieff
Sound: A.J. Dobbs
Costume Design: Catherine Siracusa, Sidney Levitt
Production: HB Ensemble
Pictures
