Espresso

In Espresso by Lucia Frangione, Vito’s estranged daughter, Rosa (Francesca Ravera), rushes to his bedside, where she meets her grandmother, Nonna, whom she describes as a wrinkled black olive, and Vito’s second wife, Cinzella, who sweeps in wearing a fox-fur coat.

The play explores the relationship between patriarchy, Christianity, and Eros through three women of the Italian-Canadian Dolores family, all three portrayed by one actor. The patriarch, Vito, is in intensive care after causing a car crash that crushed his pelvis and lacerated his heart.

Amante (Jesse Koehler) shares the stage and the storytelling with Rosa. He’s the Holy Spirit. He’s also the embodiment of Eros: His name means “lover.” Amante is Rosa’s torment, witness, and gatekeeper throughout her journey toward release.

Directed by Kim T. Sharp.