LA NIÑERA:THE NURSEMAID
 by Barbara Lebow

Photo © 2009 David Bazemore - La Ninera: The Nursemaid at UCSB

4M, 4W

The play follows an extended family, descendants of poor Spanish and Russian immigrants who find safe haven in early 20th century Cuba. They prosper until the 1959 revolution causes a drastic rift. The play focuses on the younger generations in 1950's Cuba and present day California.

The actors portray both grandparents and their own grandchildren at the same age.  They travel back and forth and beyond, through time and personal events. Through conflict and the rich heritage of intermingled cultures, they remain under the steady hand of their ageless niñera.




"The play reaches one of several dramatic climaxes in a tense jail scene ... there is
something fresh to this - a combination of historical veracity and sophisticated feeling for the heritage and communication style of this specific family."
                                                                                                    —Santa Barbara Independent.

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