Directed by Will Pomerantz
Produced by Jack Sharkey & Jim Weiner
Starring Shawn Elliott, Linda Larkin and Begonya Plaza
CHERRY LANE THEATRE
under the direction of Angelina Fiordellisi
Avila Productions LLC presents By Special Arrangement with The Cherry Lane Theatre
Featuring music by Albert Carbonell
Strike the set! After our final performance, we celebrated on the stage of Andres' Barcelona home, with champagne and jamón. Our beautiful producer, Jim, and his daughter, and wife brought gorgeous platters of cheeses and h'orderves. A few hours later, boxes were being filled with props, and the furniture was being removed. Wow. Just like that. A world comes and goes. Beautiful. Life is the impacting memories left in our hearts and minds.
Photo by Teresa Plaza New York, NY April 1, 2-12
TERESA'S ECSTSY is about love versus suffering. The female archetype represents that loving energy in all our beings, while the male archetype represents the resistant, punishing vibratory aspects. Carlotta is a writer, living alone in New York, but still legally married to Andrés, who lives in Barcelona. Inspired by the message of Saint Teresa of Avila, she begins to write her story, and suddenly drawing parallels with her own life, thus begins to transform. Carlotta and, Becky Cohen, her publisher/editor of the magazine, who she's writing the story on Saint Teresa for, make a stop over in Barcelona, on their way to Avila. Becky has an office in Barcelona and on this night, she and her business associate will have a night out on the town while Carlotta stays at Andrés’ so that the couple can figure out their relationship, over gazpacho, Jamón and wine. Although there is an obvious strong kinship between the two women, what is not revealed in act I is that Becky, a lesbian, is secretly captivated by Carlotta. Andrés and Carlotta love each other, but it’s evident that these two people are very different, for while Carlotta opens up to possibilities, to growth, to change, to exploring life more fully, Andrés rejects, resents, blames and judges everything Carlotta is interested in, even Becky, and especially Saint Teresa. Becky is an ambitious, competitive, successful, confident New York female, who immediately rubs Andrés the wrong way when he realizes her strength and generous sensibility. Becky is also, as candid, blunt, and self involved as Andrés, thus their opposition creates a wondrously humorous bi-cultural standoff. Carlotta feels the pull of Andrés' macho forceful gallantries, if only he wasn't so rigid, judgmental, closed minded. We want to root for this couple, and Carlotta seems to yearn for his companionship, through the increasing banter that turns to bitter conflict, still, they seem to be best friends, but if only, Andrés was nicer. This virile, gallant, egocentric, loves attention, and will contradict anything and everything, if only to take center stage.
But this day, Carlotta is on a quest, and committed to resolving the doubts, pain, and imbalance that their fancy free relationship festers in her unconscious. According to Andrés, men are much simpler, they either get a hard on or they don't. Carlotta asks herself aloud, "...were you always like this?" In the end, the two women return from Avila, in love. Saint Teresa's message has enlightened them with the confidence that love is not for others to approve of, except one’s own peaceful heart. Saint Teresa's transcendental love of God too, was forsaken by this world's oppressive, but her tenacity and courage surviving the Inquisition, and her male dominated persecuting society of that time in the 16th Century profoundly inspires these two women of today, to join forces on a same path toward happiness.
Our society more readily understands Andrés' belittling reactions to Carlotta when she confesses her love for Becky, than the magnitude of the two women's emotions. In the world we live in, it's okay for love to be painful, suffocating, submissive, insincere, as long as it's heterosexual. But, in a multidimensional, eternal consciousness, love is forgiving, kind, compassionate, and without recognition of gender, for the heart has no sex.
Andres makes use of the same religion, and church that he rejected throughout act I, to now exclude, shame and threaten into fear.
Becky explains that love is never wrong, and quotes Saint Teresa, making her point that God defends true love, above church, law or anything oppressive. Andrés tries all tactics, but in the end, is only left with the pleasure of destroying his own work of art.
Which he doesn't. Of course he doesn't. From the beginning of the story we see his admiration, pride and love for his own work, and his possessions.
The message of this play is: We all better rid ourselves of the macho overbearing archetype that is in us. Lets not create resistance for the other, and lets have the courage to resolve our pain, caused by the rigid fear of society's archaic beliefs, established under lesser evolved circumstances.
We are entering a time where other dimensions will prove our limiting minds, and ego inflicted suffering as absurd and contradictory of love.
Although I draw from my own life experiences, this is not my personal story, this is so much more in the metaphor. This story is of the collective unconscious, searching for the female, intuitive, caring mother.
To inquire about Licensing Rights and Producing TERESA'S ECSTASY,
email: begonya@begonyaplaza.com
We're very proud of the work done, the integrity, and the people who made this journey happen. Having my play, TERESA'S ECSTASY, produced Off-Broadway, at the Cherry Lane Theatre in NYC, was a magical experience. The entire process was challenging, painful, insightful, and ultimately most rewarding. Like Saint Teresa says, more tears are shed over answered prayers than unanswered ones. 
Ain't that the truth! But do we want to live life free of tears, or do we want to feel alive, impassioned, purposeful, and intent on moving forward, open to the changes that life brings to us, while following our intuition, our art, our heart, our life experiences?
Not perfect. Never perfect. But complete. An accomplishment. A work of art that began on a blank page, and slowly, meticulously developed through the power of persistent imagination, relationships, and common invested interests. It was wild seeing everyone come together, while creating an atmosphere of process, discipline, and purpose.
Against all odds this experience came to be. Wow! We were able to make a jewel of a production, and the memories of laughter and tears are forever with me. Most audiences loved the play, and every night after the performance, we'd meet people with eyes filled with wonder.
Thank you, Jack, for allowing this magic to unfold. Thank you for believing in us, and putting your money into this production. I wish my work could produce revenue. I am hopeful that one day it will, so that I can give you back, ten fold!
When it comes to creating a story, it's tremendously important to commit fully to your vision and intuition. Not an easy task when the work gets done in a collaborative effort. A healthy team cannot afford one single selfish soul, otherwise the entire project suffers. Competition in the arts is counterproductive, and an elitist attitude also pushes away the very people of the community that art is supposed to touch. I don't mind criticism, but what does concern me is reading mindless, unfounded, jabber. Critics need to have more integrity, and love for the artist. They need to invest a little more time, exploring ideas presented, with a generous spirit. It's okay not to like something, but then, explain eloquently the reasons why. I finally read those reviews that my gracious director kept away from me during the run. I wanted to see what these mighty judgers thought, in the hopes of extracting something positive that would help me define better my message in the play. It's so hard to realize a dream, to put something up, to bring people together. We need to be more mindful, and generous of that enormous struggle, and now in hard times, when money has all the power. We need to support the arts, the efforts that aim to say something constructive, new, and alleviating. Lets all help improve the content of our storytelling, so that our culture can think independently, without fear, nor spite. Unresolved issues create illness. An open mind is needed to hear the message, and realize we are evolving every minute in this changing world.
Photos by Anya Garrett
Linda Larkin, Jack Sharkey, and Begonya Plaza
Albert Carbonell & Jim Weiner
REVIEWS
Barry Giffor, Begonya Plaza & Willem Dafoe
Darmia, Donna Murphy, Begonya Plaza, Bob Rosenbluth, Shawn Elliott, Linda Larkin, & Yul Vazquez
David Grossman, Ashley Fellman, Xanthe Elbrick, Begonya Plaza & Jack Sharkey - Photo by Teresa Plaza
LINKS TO MORE REVIEWS & FEATURE STORIES
CAT RADIO CAFE interview with Begonya and Albert March 12, 2012
PLAYBILL.COM
THE JEWISH WEEK - TERESA'S ECSTASY
PHOTOFLASH/BROADWAYWORLD.COM
THEATRELIFE/PHOTOS
T&B ON THE AISLE A THEATRE DIARY
NEW YORK PRESS
ZACKCALHOON PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW
ADAM SZYMKOWICZ INTERVIEW WITH PLAYWRIGHTS
ZACKCALHOON INTERVIEWS SHAWN ELLIOTT
To inquire about producing "Teresa's Ecstasy" E-mail me at: begonya@begonyaplaza.com
TERESA’S ECSTASY
by
Begonya Plaza
Featuring
Shawn Elliott Linda Larkin Begonya Plaza
Set Design Costume Design Lighting Design Sound Design
Adrian W. Jones Suzanne Chesney Scott Clyve Jane Shaw
Original Music
Albert Carbonell
Assistant Stage Management
Matt Hundley
General Management
Boat Rocker Entertainment
Assistant Set Design Stage Management
Katherine Akiko Day Michael Alifanz
Production Management Public Relations
Duane Pagano Karen Greco
Associate Producer Associate Producer
Ashley Fellman
Alena Chinault
Executive Producer Jack Sharkey Producer Jim Weiner
Directed by
Will Pomerantz
February 2012
Avila Productions, LLC, by special arrangement with Cherry Lane Theatre in association with Jack Sharkey and Jim Weiner are thrilled to announce!
World Premier Off-Broadway at Cherry Lane Theatre
TERESA'S ECSTASY by Begonya Plaza
Directed by Will Pomerantz
Starring Shawn Elliott, Linda Larkin and Begonya Plaza
Limited Engagement: March 4 through April 1
Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8 PM; Sundays March 4, 11, 18 at 7 PM;
Sundays March 25, April 1 at 2 PM;
Special Monday Performance March 12 at 8 PM;
PURCHASE TICKETS
Opening Night March 14 at 8 PM
Opening Night Reception is sponsored by Socarrat Paella Bar Nolita
A letter from our Executive Director.
"There's a little miracle about to be worked March 4th through April 1st at New York City's historic, magnificently renovated Cherry Lane Theatre in the form of a world premiere comedy/drama entitled TERESA'S ECSTASY, penned by and co-starring Begonya Plaza. She sharing the stage with Shawn Elliott and Linda Larkin, the esteemed Will Pomerantz at our directorial helm.
TERESA'S ECSTASY stands among some twenty theatrical endeavors I've been honored to help make possible since donning my "angel wings" in late middle-age, that once-pastime quickly evolved into a most gratifying second career, one which you've enthusiastically and graciously supported in recent years by means of your attendance and/or prayers and well-wishes.
This project bodes my most ambitious commitment to date, a beautiful, bold creation whose journey I've been proud to walk from developmental infancy to full fruition.
Beyond your valued presence as audiencemembers, I'm privileged to extend an invitation to join me as full participants in this worthy venture.
Kindly visit TERESA'S ECSTASY, there meeting our phenomenal cast and creative team, there likewise linking to our IndieGoGo wherein you may make a tax-deductible contribution, qualifying you as a full-fledged member of "Team Ecstasy," perks included, the ultimate benefits of which you'll realize, deeply so, in mind and heart when the curtain rises on a much-anticipated four-week run, your role as benefactor as vitally essential as the those played out on stage.
Additionally, please search "Avila Productions" and "like" our Facebook fanpage entitling you to updates and behind-the-scenes information as we progress.
With heartfelt wishes, I thank you in advance while welcoming you to the magic which is TERESA'S ECSTASY."
Most warmly...
Jack.
TERESA'S ECSTASY is a play that explores a mystical journey of change and defiance as opposing sexually charged forces look at love, politics and religion. The setting is Barcelona, where boundaries of culture, race and language dissolve as tolerance awakens within this provocative USA/Iberian triangle.
INTAR theatre produced three "29 Hour" workshop readings of "Teresa's Ecstasy". These are some of the audience responses:
"I will keep in mind ways that i can keep word out about your play, "Teresa's Ecstasy, which was simply phenomenal: it is about so many things, but what really struck me is the way it speaks to tensions both past and present, for instance those between physical and spiritual, feminine and masculine, lesbian and straight, Christian and Jew. But in speaking to them, it never does so in an abstractly explicit way, it hints at them, speaks them, plays with them, lets these tensions push in whatever directions they need to go, such that one sees something both intellectually intense and absolutely personal. It was, in any case, a pleasure to watch." Daniel Barber PhD - professor at Marymount Manhattan College and La Guardia CC
"Stunning play, full of wit, fire, and most especially, revelation: in relation to the other, the past, one's heart, and the divine. A must-see!!!" Naomi Stone PhD Candidate in Cultural Anthropology, Columbia University
"The Play will be on Broadway - evokes emotions like Pinter's "Betrayal". Dana Blanchard
"What a wonderful play you've written! Thought provoking, stimulating! Really enjoyed myself last night. Your actors were terrific too. Continued success tomorrow night so people can spread the word about "Teresa's Ecstasy". Good luck and God bless! xo Mercedes Hall - Cabaret Singer
"Shawn: “Teresa’s Ecstasy” stands as probing a psychological treatment as it is thoroughly engaging entertainment. In the reading experience one bonded instantaneously with each of the characters, actually projecting far forward envisioning a full production featuring “these very actors, please God.” The lead question the play poses for me is “When a man loves a woman unreservedly, how much of himself is he willing to sacrifice to ensure her happiness to the detriment of his own?” What touched me throughout was the consistently limitless depth to which Andres worships Carlotta and the absolute extremes he’ll employ in an effort to win her back despite, in truth, never having lost her… not really. I look forward to Teresa’s Ecstasy’s eventual fully-staged realization, one in which the visual artistic imagery can only beautifully complement the magnificence of the words we heard so vividly brought to life by means of your exceptional, and generous talents. Peace, Jack" Jack Sharkey - theater producer and our first generous supporter.
Shawn Elliott, Begonya Plaza, Linda Larkin. @ CaterinaArmenter, May 2011
CAST:
Shawn Elliott plays Andrés Moreno and is an actor with numerous theatre, film and television credits. Stage credits include JACQUES BREL IS ALIVE AND WELL AND LIVING IN PARIS, CITY OF ANGELS, MARIE CHRISTINE, SEÑOR DISCRETION HIMSELF, and EINSTEIN'S GIFT. Film & TV credits include: EYES, DO THE RIGHT THING, CAUGHT, DOUBLE TAKE, MIAMI VICE, CSI MIAMI, as well as numerous episodes of LAW AND ORDER. Mr. Elliott is married to two-time Tony-winner Donna Murphy.
Begonya Plaza plays Carlotta Pardo. Ms. Plaza has been directed by Michael Mann, Clint Eastwood, Amy Jones, Oliver Stone, Tim Hunter and Walter Hill. Her stage credits include Philip Seymour Hoffman's IN ARABIA WE'D ALL BE KINGS, Austrian director Kurt Palm's one-woman show of erotic songs and poems by Bertolt Brecht, Yevnegy Lanskoy's YERMA AS YERMA, and IN FRIENDS. Ms. Plaza has acted opposite Robert De Niro, Tom Cruise, Willem Dafoe, Klaus Kinski, Roddy McDowall, and Carol O'Connor, and starred in the CBS series, DARK JUSTICE, shot on location in Barcelona.
Linda Larkin plays Becky Pardo in TERESA'S ECSTASY and is also the voice of Princess Jasmine in Walt Disney’s ALADDIN, as well as THE RETURN OF JAFAR, ALADDIN AND THE KING OF THIEVES, and the Emmy-nominated ALADDIN television series. Ms. Larkin has appeared in numerous plays, movies, and television series, most notably as Poppy in NOISES OFF (Alley Theatre), Dierdre in I HATE HAMLET (Actors Theatre of Louisville), Violet in NOTES FROM THE CONFEDERACY (Cherry Lane Theatre), Carrie in TWO NINAS (winner, GenArt Film Festival), Ms. Danforth in JOSHUA (Sundance, Fox Searchlight), Kelly in THE NEXT BEST THING (Paramount), and Meredith in the Webby-nominated series PUPPY LOVE. Ms. Larkin is married to Tony-nominated actor Yul Vazquez.
CHARACTERS:
ANDRES MORENO, or Andy: 50s, Spanish painter, anti-establishment hermit, intellectual, witty and enraged.
CARLOTTA PARDO, or Carla: 40s, an American writer, determined to break away and find her true self, returns to Spain to write about Teresa of Avila, and visits Andrés to straighten out their personal business.
BECKY COHEN: 30s, Jewish/American, emancipated lesbian, ambitious New York magazine publisher, and an advocate of Carla’s work.
THEMES AND REFERENCES:
SCULPTURE- Bernini is praised for his synthesis of sculpture, painting, and architecture. The church was extended so that a hidden window could be added to cast light upon the sculpture, as if from the Holy Spirit. Cherubs painted on the entrance arch bear a banner inscribed with the words Jesus spoke in one of Teresa's visions: "If I had not created heaven, I would create it for you alone."
ANGEL - "He was not tall, but short, and very beautiful," related Teresa of her vision, "his face so aflame that he appeared to be one of the highest types of angel who seem to be all afire."
SWOON - Bernini brings all the passion and rapture of Teresa's story to represent, perhaps for the first time, the now-immortalized image of a swoon: head thrown back, eyelids half-closed, mouth slightly open as she moans in ecstasy.
GARMENTS - Teresa is covered in monastic habit, yet through Bernini's genius, the heavy garments reveal rather than conceal Teresa's internal state.
FOOT - Her dangling bare foot is emblematic of the Disclaced ("Shoeless") Carmelites, the reformed religious order Teresa founded (from Matthew 10:10, "no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick").
CLOUDS - In translating Teresa's mystical vision into stone, Bernini first captured Teresa's reports of levitation by having her borne on a bank of marble clouds. (The clouds are hollow, to decrease the weight of the wall-mounted sculpture.)
See below, my research videos on the DALIS.
