Dallas Theater Center Presents
NATIVE GARDENS
Written by Karen Zacarías
Directed by Sylvia Cervantes Blush
Feb. 9, 2023-Feb. 26, 2023
Dallas Theater Center (DTC) presents Native Gardens at
the Kalita Humphreys Theater Feb. 9 - Feb. 26. Directed by Sylvia Cervantes Blush.
Native Gardens is a brilliant comedy written by Mexican-American playwright Karen
Zacarías, in which cultures and gardens clash, turning well-intentioned neighbors into
feuding enemies. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at
www.dallastheatercenter.org or by phone at (214) 522 - 8499.
The story follows the experiences of neighboring couples as they negotiate a delicate
disagreement over a long-standing fence line between their properties which soon
becomes a dispute, exposing both couples’, and perhaps our own, notions of race,
preference, class, age and privilege.
Zacarías, through comedy, addresses the nuances and challenges of modern society
with a comedic approach. “I’m thrilled to welcome playwright Karen Zacarías’ work
back to the DTC stage,” said Kevin Moriarty, DTC Executive Director. “Her play is a
hilarious comedy that also reveals her open-hearted view of human relationships. In
Native Gardens, Karen has written great comic roles for actors that are perfectly
suited for our Diane and Hal Brierley Resident Acting Company, including Sally
Nystuen Vahle, who is celebrating her 30th anniversary season at DTC. I can’t wait to
sit in the theater with audiences and enjoy the communal power of shared laughter
and great performances. The play celebrates how people can look beyond their
differences and rediscover their shared humanity”
The production is directed by the acclaimed Sylvia Cervantes Blush. “Unpacking the
themes of the play is exciting” says Blush “[the play] is funny but an important story
because we all must learn to live ‘next to’ our neighbor.” Joining Cervantes Blush are
actors from the Diane and Hal Brierley Resident Acting Company: Bob Hess,
Christopher Llewyn Ramirez, Tiffany Solano, Olivia de Guzman, Sally Nystuen Vahle
in her 30th season as a resident acting company member, Christina Austin Lopez and
Alex Organ. The Company is joined by actors Esteban Vilchez, Rudy Lopez and Stacia
Goad-Malone.
In addition to Cervantes Blush directing, the creative team consists of scenic design
by Sara Ryung Clement, costume, hair and makeup design by Carolyn Mazuca,
lighting design by Carolina Ortiz Herrera, sound design by David Lanza and Stephen
Ravet is the stage manager.
Dallas Theater Center also celebrates Sally Nystuen Vahle for 30 years of artistry with
Dallas Theater Center. Sally is a member of DTC’s Diane and Hal Brierley Resident
Acting Company and has impacted audiences through the years in some of DTC’s
most memorable productions. Some of Sally’s favorite roles include: Marley and Old
Joe in A Christmas Carol (2022), Mrs. White in Clue, Ouiser in Steel Magnolias;
Mildred in Miller, Mississippi; Scrooge in A Christmas Carol (2016); Fraulein Kost in
Cabaret; Medea; Clytemnestra in Electra, and Tracey in Sweat. Sally is also a
Professor of Acting in the Department of Dance and Theatre at The University of North
Texas.
Support for Native Gardens is generously provided by Jackson Walker, Assistant
Producing Sponsor; Central Market, Associate Producing Partner; Jacobs, Assistant
Producing Sponsor and a Stay Late Sponsor; and Dallas Theater Center Guild,
Assistant Producing Sponsor.
Following Native Gardens is the final production of the Dallas Theater Center
2022-2023 season Into The Woods (April 7, 2023 – April 30, 2023); in the Dee and
Charles Wyly Theatre Potter Rose Performance Hall. All dates, titles and venues are
subject to change.
