Salt is part of the New Ohio Theatre's Ice Factory 2022 Festival that opened this summer. This short "operatic monologue" is darkly beautiful, showcasing the artistry of angst and despair alongside the purifying quality of salt.
Aliana de la Guardia's performance captures the character's strength and tenacity to overcome her struggles and fight for a better life. Trapped in a toxic relationship, the character is desperate to leave and start anew. Salt is the connective thread in this performance. As she comes to realizations and takes action, the salt surrounds her- it redeems her. The symbolism of the salt holds many layers in this performance, from the actual physicality of the spice to the metaphoric representation of rebirth.
The digital and video projections by Nouzhou Wang are superb! The animation design by Deniz Khateri is equally beautiful. These design elements are works of art carefully designed to accompany the character's journey. Additionally, Deniz Khateri's simple yet intentional set design works well with the projections, animations and salt.
Salt is a short yet compelling piece with complexities hidden beneath its salty surface.
"Salt"
Written and Directed by Deniz Khateri
Performed by Aliana de la Guardia
In-person shows: August 19 and August 20, 2022
On-Demand streaming until August 27, 2022
New Ohio Theatre (154 Christopher St.)
Yani Perez, M.F.A, is a poet, playwright, translator, and educator. Her plays have been presented in various theaters in the United States such as La Mama and Yale University as well as internationally in Bogotá, Colombia. She works at IATI Theater, one of the oldest Latinx theaters in NYC. She is currently working on translations of Latinx artists in hopes of introducing them to English-speaking audiences.