Luna Blog

2010 Spring Season - Chicago Tribune's review

Posted April 1, 2010 10:01 AM in Reviews

4 Fridas combine to tackle 1 complex woman

By Lucia Mauro, Special to the Tribune

March 29, 2010

The fierce and uncompromising spirit of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo could barely be contained within her petite frame. An icon of sexual freedom and political controversy, she poured her torments into a series of self-portraits — often of the heavy-browed painter in folkloric or mannish dress surrounded by animals.

Choreographer Michelle Manzanales bravely created a modern theatrical dance piece inspired by this iconic bundle of contradictions. And the result is not a mere stage version of Julie Taymor's 2002 film, "Frida." Manzanales' "Paloma Querida" ("Beloved Dove"), which premiered during the weekend as part of Luna Negra Dance Theater's spring engagement at the Harris Theater, sensitively pared down the artist to crucial elements of her inner life.

Meet the Artists

Kirsten Shelton

Dancer

Kirsten Shelton (Pueblo, CO) trained with several ballet companies including The Joffrey Ballet New York, Ballet Austin, and the Richmond Ballet. She was the recipient of three scholarships from the Denver Ballet Guild. Upon relocating to Chicago in 2002, Shelton...