On March 24, LAPC’s Theater department will be opening their production of “Ironbound,” and the cast and crew are anticipating a great show.
“Ironbound,” running two weekends at the Dow Arena Theatre, was written by award-winning playwright Martyna Majok. It follows the story of a Polish immigrant named Darja and her three relationships that span 22 years.
Pierce’s production of the play is directed by Christian Barillas, who has previous experience as an actor and play director and is passionate about this project.
“Something that I found inspiring in the material is that she [Majok] captures something very true and difficult about the immigrant experience,” Barillas said. “It’s ultimately a very human story.”
The cast consists of Pierce students Olia Panasenko, Kris Hernandez, Joshua Gould, Angelo Rosales, Itzhak Matos and Jacob Gonzalez. Panasenko plays the role of the main character Darja, and the other four are the love interests Tommy, Maks and Vic. Both Gould and Rosales play Vic. Gonzalez plays as the understudy for Tommy.
The cast has been rehearsing since January, and during that time they have learned and grown closer to one another which makes them excited to finally get to show the production to an audience.
“The cast is phenomenal to work with,” Matos said. “They make a really emotionally difficult show easy to get through with the support that we all have for each other.”
The production is already in its final stages, and Barillas and the cast members seem to be both confident and nervous as the closer opening night approaches. There are feelings of stage-fright and nervousness but also excitement.
“The audience can expect a story that feels true to life in all its complications,” Barillas said. “In its heartbreak and its humor and its irony. And I hope they come away moved and looking at people that come to this country in a way that is more in admiration and less judgment.”
“There’s always a little bit of a sense of butterflies because you’re not quite sure how everything’s going to come together but usually it kind of magically does,” Barillas said. “The audience is what I like to think of as the last character in the play. So really the play isn’t complete until the audience is there to witness.”
“Ironbound” is different from the last few productions that have been held at Pierce, according to Matos.
“It really covers all aspects of human emotion and human experience in a very real way that a lot of shows don’t really do,” Matos said.
According to the cast, the play shows realistic experiences and characters that are genuine. It follows Darja through all her challenges and doesn’t shy away from showing how life truly is for a lot of people. Audiences are anticipated to laugh, cry and truly relate to the characters.
“It’s not an easy show to watch,” Hernandez said. “This show is pretty much like one massive roller coaster where one thing is happening and then another, and then another, and then another.”
For tickets, call 818-719-6488, or go to https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/5747459.
