Mala Hierba @ 2nd Stage Theatre Uptown is a Downer

What's the play about?  It's about $20 & 2 blocks from the Beacon.  The 1 act, 4 character play is by Mexican playwright Tanya Saracho (writer for TV's "Girls" & "Devious Maids") whose characters switch between English/Spanish leaving many in the audience in the dark.  Basically, this is a dark, melodramatic lesbian love affair that turns deadly.  Martiza is the beautiful Mexican trophy wife of a rich TX politician.  She is often seen before her vanity, putting on make-up.  Almost incessantly by her side is Yuya;, her maid, mother figure, punching bag.  The wealthy abusive husband has a daughter, Liliana, a self-centered, manipulative, self-destructive college age daughter (although she has dropped out without notifying her controlling father.)  Liliana, is played by Marta Milans who is making her theatrical debut gave a convincing performance.  Liliana brings home a mysterious, butch woman, Fabiolo whom she knew as an old "friend" of Maritza's.  As it turns out, their friendship is a long running sexual relationship.  Fabiolo pleads with Martiza to flee with her from  TX & move to Chicago with her.  The soap opera conflict, which Yuya reminds Maritza, is her family's total dependence on the money she provides them from her rich husband.  Need I say more?  Well, for $20 this is live entertainment and it's never dull.  And, Mala Hierba is a Spanish u-Tube video of a sexy woman dancing in leather bondage.