CHICHO
CHICHO by Augusto Bitter was presented by Theatre Passe Muraille and Pencil Kit Productions with the support of Aluna Theatre in 2019, after being workshopped as part of the Rhubarb and CAMINOS festivals from 2017-2018. Claren directed and produced the production through all phases of development.
CHICHO is a solo show written and performed by Augusto Bitter. The titular character, an ashamed-queer-Catholic-man-boy from Venezuela, attempts to feel beautiful despite his warring identity politics. His journey is freckled with appearances from a host of other vibrant characters: Chichi the sinisterly charismatic Latin game show host, Aguacate the seductive and wise avocado, Chad the hip young Canadian priest and more. CHICHO meticulously presents the disparity between Chicho's queer-ibbean coming-of-age journey in Canada and the worsening socioeconomic crisis in Venezuela.
For full team see Pencil Kit Productions.
Promotional shots by Tanja Tiziana. Production stills by Dahlia Katz.
2019 Dora Mavor Moore Award Winner
Outstanding Performance of an Individual
Independent Theatre Division
Augusto Bitter
2019 Dora Mavor Moore Award Nominee
Outstanding New Play
Independent Theatre Division
Augusto Bitter
Praise for Claren
“Chicho is a production that is meticulously conceived. Talented director Claren Grosz is one to watch, particularly her emphasis on the physical embodiment of words. Chicho is a very closely choreographed show. Grosz is also a deft hand at playing with objects […] Everything in this show, both the acting and the production values, has been thought through to the finest detail. […] Engaging, compelling, fascinating – all these things are Chicho, and the show is not to be missed.”
- Paula Citron
“Claren Grosz’s direction, in tandem with Giuseppe Condello’s lighting and set and Deanna H. Choi’s sound, provides a strong structure for the material. Sharp lighting changes and sound effects signal the move from one anecdote/character to another, and also underscore the impression that Chicho is not entirely in control of this space and his identity.”
- Toronto Star (★★★ out of 4)
