by Cesca Janece Waterfield

“Boleros for the Disenchanted,” now showing at Barksdale Theatre, is lyrical, enlightening, and all that dramatic stuff.

It’s also an entertaining show that may recall scenes from your own life, no matter how distant in geography or years some of those days are. And right now, the Barksdale is offering $10 reduced-price tickets in a locally unmatched effort at bringing the theatre arts to the entire community.

This romantic, mischievous and superbly performed play written by Academy Award nominated José Rivera is the Barksdale’s first production of a Spanish-speaking playwright in the Theatre’s 55-year history. But it won’t be the last, thanks to the Hispanic Theatre Project, a three-year collaborative venture between Barksdale Theatre and The Latin Ballet of Virginia. With authentic dance, musical interludes and intermission performances, “Boleros” kicks off the Project, which aims to promote Latino playwrights and artists, and to invite Richmond’s growing Latino population into the city’s performing arts community.

In keeping with Latino tradition, the cast and crew will offer selections from the full production in free “Plaza Performances” in public venues frequented by Hispanic residents of Richmond. While the play is performed in English, Spanish speaking volunteers staff the box office and aisles, while performances Oct. 14-18 will feature Spanish supertitles.

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