LatinUS production of ‘La Malasangre’ (‘Bad Blood’) lives up to its name

While attending church this morning the speaker made a Freudian slip during his talk referring to “family and pestilence” rather than “famine and pestilence” in some cases this is not far from the truth. I then attended the Sunday afternoon matinee of “La Malasangre” (“Bad Blood”) which further emphasized this theme. La Malasangre is a dark tale of violence, intolerance, discrimination, disrespect, abuse of power, brutal control and fear in an 1840 Latin country.

On a wet freezing day, Benigno (Kivin Bauzo) aristocratic father and authoritarian is looking out the window at a line of men waiting to be interviewed for the position of tutor for his daughter Dolores (Sandra Insaurralde). Benigo’s wife known simply as La Madre (Monica Torres) enters as her husband mocks each of her opinions even going as far as having one “led away” because he is too handsome. Among the men is a terribly deformed hunchback. Benigo orders his enforcer/servant Fermin (Reinaldo Garcia) to fetch the man.

Benigo interviews the teacher alone and suddenly demands to see the man’s hump as a show of control. Rafael (Luis Galicia) complies under protest attempting to preserve his dignity. Finding that the teacher is more than qualified he is hired and informed that he will live at the estate as well as eat with the family. The women are brought in to meet the new hire. La Madre shows compassion while Dolores has nothing but contempt causing a scene by throwing a wine glass against a wall.

The next scene finds Dolores alone with Rafael as he attempts to teach her rudimentary subjects but it is an uphill battle as the precocious girl shows pure contempt of her new tutor. Fermin enter the room with a bag with what he says is melons but is in reference to the severed heads of the dissidents of the regime. Through various points of the play the sound of a cart is heard from the courtyard as the bodies are carried out. With Fermin leaving, Rafael tries again to educate his charge as she tries to initiate a romance with her teacher. This angers Rafael and he slaps her hard to wake her from her fantasies.

Dolores hysterically calls out to Benigno and Fermin who take Rafael off for severe physical punishment. Rafael eventually returns following a fight between Dolores and La Madre and seeing his suffering begins to have feelings for the man.

Enter Juan Pedro, a young and wealthy suitor that Benigno has chosen as a husband for Dolores. It appears early on that Juan is only interested in seducing his future bride as he attempts to force himself onto her numerous times.

This 90 minute (without intermission) is a very taut depiction of the old phrase “absolute power corrupts absolutely”. Except for Rafael, none of the characters have any redeeming qualities. Dolores is a spoiled brat that you actually cheer when she is slapped silly. Benigno is cruelty personified and a man who will do anything to get his way (which he has passed on to his daughter). You wonder why La Madre has stuck around for so long as she is the victim of continual abuse at the hands of her husband. Fermin is despicable as the cruel henchman who will do his master’s bidding no matter what. Lastly, Juan Pedro quickly shows his contempt for women as he attempts to rape his bride to be at their first meeting. In sort, if this family moved in next door you would be finding yourself moving quickly simply to avoid being near them.

As for the actors, they are terrific. A tremendous amount of energy is expounded on stage although the screaming portions wore a bit thin after awhile. Sandra Insaurralde as Dolores is fierce and fiery. Monica Torres as La Madre plays the long suffering wife to a “T”. Kivin Bauzo as Benigno is evil on two legs and plays the part with all the malice intact. Reinaldo Garcia as Fermin does a perfect Renfieldish portrayal of the duty bound henchman. Kenny Santiago plays the rake Juan Pedro very convincingly. Lastly is the one bright spot of sanity in Luis Galicia as Rafael who gets caught up in evil beyond his control.

The show is masterly directed by Fabio Polanco. The elaborate costume designs are painstakingly constructed by Inda Geib-Blatch. The spectacular stage set is a master piece of design in its own right by Kordell Harr and constructed by Micaela Coleen Barret and Tito Ramos. With its barred window up stage the set has a decidedly prison feel to it. Steward Blackwood handles the sound design very well and light designer Michael Boll adds needed atmosphere. The show is performed in Spanish with translated English subtitles by Sarah de Machi that are projected by Pablo de la Vega.

So you thought your family was dysfunctional beyond repair? Short of the Manson family this clan will have your family gathering for a group hug in the lobby. It takes exceptional actors to convince you how mean they are and this cast excels in every way. This is a feel good show in the aspect that it will make you feel good about your family no matter how messed up they are.

The LatinUS production of La Malasangre will be on stage at the Pivot Center at 2937 West 25^th Street in Cleveland, Ohio through June 7, 2026. For more information go to https://www.latinustheater.com/ or call (216) 369-7158.