It feels wonderful to be performing Frida Vice Versa at Round House. My one-woman show flourishes on the conceit that the audience might be among Frida 
Kahlo’s students at La Esmeralda School for Painting in Mexico City in a Master class. Her teaching unfolds as a personal story-packaged as ten “lessons.” The first lesson becomes the final lesson; life can be death and vice-versa. The Frida we meet is in her 40’s, already famous, and fully blossomed as both an artist and an engaging personality.
This is the fifth year of my life with Frida. I’ve come to know myself better through this show; what I’m capable of as an actor, a playwright and as a woman. Restless with the roles being offered me as an actress, I went looking for someone whose story would take me into creating a work of my own. The passion and spirit of Frida inspired me, and began to write this show in collaboration with R. Dennis Green
I must tell you that I’m usually not a morning person but during the process of writing this play, the spirit of Frida would wake me at 5am so I would continue writing. I felt that it was urgent to write when my house was quiet and I couldn’t resist the call. So some of the writing was done at dawn!
Frida was the kind of woman who overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles with determination and will. In spite of extreme difficulties, she always prevailed. She became a painter in her own right in an art world dominated by men, meeting life in every facet on its own terms. To this day, her work attracts for its beauty and power, its strong and sensual imagery.
Last year was a trying one for me. Major health issues of a close family member arose, and I thought often about the constant, life-long pain Frida endured, following a horrible trolley accident she survived in her teens. I used Frida’s inspiration to help me – and my loved one ‑ cope with the pain and frustration of her illness.
I’m proud to say that that I’m the recipient of an Individual Artist Award for Solo Performance for this show from the Maryland State Arts Council in 2010. Again, I have this indomitable painter to thank.
The show was directed by local director Jessica Lefkow, who remains engaged in the project.
- Marian Licha
Frida Vice Versa will be performed at Round House Silver Spring June 26 & 27, 2010.
