Kiss of the Spider Woman’s Eva Tavares: Creativity and Political Drama
Part of being a successful artist is being daring. Growth requires extending one’s self beyond comfortable limits and taking chances. Eva Tavares is daring. In the midst of an acclaimed portrayal of Christine in the North American Touring company’s Andrew Lloyd Webber musical “Phantom of the Opera”, she took a leave to be a part of the inaugural performance of Eclipse Theatre Company’s “Kiss of the Spider Woman.” Conducted over a series of six days in the unique venue of Toronto’s historic Don Jail, this production featured Tavares singing, dancing, and acting in the role of Marta. Nothing was status quo about this production; precisely the reason for Eva’s desire to take part in it. Confirming the talent of those involved, the show was sold out and even attracted members of the original Broadway cast to watch.
The Eclipse Theatre Company wanted to manifest something truly unique and magnificent for their inaugural performance. This meant utilizing a real jail for a venue to immerse actors and audience in authenticity, as well as casting extraordinary talent like actress/dancer/singer Eva Tavares among those in this live production. Don Jail is said to be one of the most haunted sites in North America. Superstition or not, the atmosphere was palpably unsettling. The remarkable cast presented a story which is as relevant today as it was in the original 1970’s setting in which it takes place. Among other accolades, the production has received six Dora Awards nominations from the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts.
Though it offers moments of fantasy, “Kiss of the Spider Woman” is built upon the very real foundation of political imprisonment, transgender discrimination, and general deception. In a variety of ways, it causes one to question reality. Two men, Valentin and Molina (who identifies as a woman), find themselves imprisoned together for very different reasons. Tavares appears as Marta, the girlfriend of the Marxist revolutionary Valentin. Loosely based on actual events which took place in Argentina, the story depicts the frailty of the human mind and ethics. In the story, Marta is a successful business woman who becomes sympathetic to the political movement through her relationship with Valentin. Given the ultimatum of staying with her or pursuing the movement, Valntin breaks Marta’s heart when he leaves her for his beliefs, a favour she returns by becoming cold to him. Eva’s presentation of this wounded lover is complex and multifaceted.
Tavares is featured as a singer in a number of songs throughout the show. “Dear One” is a quartet is sung by Molina, Valentin, Valentin’s mother, and Marta. The song communicates Valentin’s regret over the choices he made in his relationship with Marta as well as her desire to block her feelings as a jilted lover. Particularly heart-wrenching is the duet “I Do Miracles” between Marta and Aurora, Valentin’s favorite actress. It marks a gripping moment of Valentin’s break with reality as he is being tortured.
The company’s production received such glowing accolades and attention that two of the original cast members of “Kiss of the Spider Woman” were moved to connect and show their respect. Chita Rivera (Aurora) sent a personal message with her well wishes. Brent Carver who played Molina in the 1992 West End premier production not only attended but initiated the standing ovation following the performance. Eva recalls, “I have such a huge amount of respect for both of these incredible actors. It was so surreal to see them take an interest in our show! Speaking with Mr. Carver after the show, he told me personally that I had a beautiful show and that our cast had something truly special. It was a moment I will not soon forget.”
“Kiss of the Spider Woman” is experiencing a resurgence of relevancy. In such contentious times, it’s important for art like this to remind the public that we are capable of horrendous acts. The magnificent performance of Eva Tavares and her fellow cast in the Eclipse Theatre Company presentation of this tale remind us of this while allowing an empathy that is vital. Artist such as these are the conduit to not only entertainment but also understanding.
