Jen's Review La Banda de las Recodas by Las Reinas Chulas

I went to by Las Reinas Chulas, cabaret act at La Mama Café in NYC, not really knowing what to expect, since I went on a whim. Their show La Banda de las Recodas was fun, cheeky and full of smart political satire. This troupe, which rides in from Mexico City is clever and entertaining. They’re opening scene is a spectacle, it blasts out the old ideas on the donkey it rode into town on, then descends the modern Banda group with their floaties and sexual appeal hanging out. They have an intoxicating sense of camp and their music and lyrics made me want to boogie in my seat. Las Reinas Chulas use their tools of dance, music, satire, and comedy to hold those accountable for “the culture of violence, corruption that the war on drugs has created through the years and how the Mexican government sponsors and supports it in several ways.” By the use of traditional textiles to make bustier tops, of regional clothing made in Mexico, they confronted a changing cultural identity, which is currently being trashed for modern slutty designs from the likes Victoria Secret and other retailers who have their goods made in China. They addressed female sexuality in a number that had me horny and prudish at the same time. Don’t miss La Reinas Chula’s show at La Mama, this weekend, because who knows when they will be able to cross to this side of the border again. La Banda de las Recodas by Las Reinas Chulas May 17 and 18 at 10PM May 19 at 5:30PM La Mama 74 East 4th Street between 2nd Ave and Bowery New York, NY 10003 212-475-7710 www.lamama.org www.lasreinaschulas.com www.elvicio.com.mx