Jose Rivera’s, References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot was an extremely thought-provoking play, examining the similarities between nature and human relationships. It tells the story of Gabby, a dreamer, living in Barstow, California, where her soldier husband has been stationed after the Persian Gulf War. From the first scene in which they’re together, it can be noticed that the couple faces a dilemma-their rocky relationship. In Gabriella’s dream-like fantasy world, the cat and coyote both speak, giving importance to the content of dreams, and both animals mirror Gabby and Benito’s relationship, represented by the longing and erotic passion amidst the first scene. Only at the end, does the symbolic relationship of the cat and coyote give meaning to the play- the importance of dreams.
The set was more elaborate than most plays I have seen, as it contained many levels used by the actors- in the first scene, “the moon” is situated on top of a fridge with his violin, Gabby on the desert floor, and the cat on the ground. The set switches between the backyard of the couple’s house, and inside their house-this allowed for the audience members to be engaged and the closeness of the stage also allowed for the actors to interact with the audience. The drama embodies a metaphor of earthliness, represented by the arid desert floor and yearning, characterized by the beckoning night sky
The moon, depicted by a mysterious violin player, represents a magical realism- absent in Gabby’s real life. The fierceness of the writing transforms the very mundane dilemma facing the couple, in to a heated dialogue between the two, where the artist’s intent is exemplified by Gabby’s dreams- the surreal nature of life. Salvador Dali’s Melting Clocks represents this concept of surrealism present in Rivera’s work.
I was one of about 200 audience members and noticing other people’s reactions definitely impacted my experience of the play, as the occasional gasps and sighs influenced my understanding of the play.
Artist: Jose Rivera
Title of Work: References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot
Date of Work: Published in 2000
Materials/medium: Play/Visual Performance
Duration/running time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Genre: comedy, political, social drama
Location/venue: Hunter College Kaye Playhouse
I was with some other Macaulay students when I saw this.
Pretty unique and decent play as actors from the stage are able to interact with the audience.
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