In the hours before Salvador Allende, the man democratically elected as President of Chile in 1970, died, what was going through his head? Knowing that his friends and appointed leaders — including General Pinochet — turned on him in a U.S.-backed coup, how did he feel in those final hours before his death?
Taking a page from Katori Hall’s The Mountaintop, September 11, 1973… imagines those last hours, with the enigmatic and mysterious Agent D (Rich Tanenbaum) probing Allende (Dan Owen) for his thoughts and feelings. Luigi Laraia’s enthralling script blends the real words of Allende’s final public addresses with retellings of true events and imagined stories.
Allende reminisces about his past and present loves, background as a physician, fellow revolutionaries (like Guevara and Castro), chess, and socialism — all while the sound of gunfire and bombs creeps closer and closer. We get occasional respite from the war sounds with a beautiful guitar soundtrack that punctuates Allende’s memories and reflections.
With only three days of in-person rehearsals, Tanenbaum and Owen were still able to build remarkable chemistry. The cool, calm Agent D is an effective foil to the fiery, passionate Allende in the metaphoric chess game that these men play.
Owen’s performance as Allende impresses, making the audience truly feel a glimpse into the man’s psyche and feel the high stakes. He effectively plays a man with a passion for his people, the women in his life, and the causes that he believes will change the world.
It helps to have a bit of historical knowledge to truly enjoy this piece, but even those without a deep knowledge of this era will still be moved by this portrait of a man in crisis, inching toward finally accepting his tragic fate.
Running Time: 60 minutes, no intermission.
September 11, 1973: The Day Salvador Allende Died has three more performances, on July 21, 23, and 24, 2022, at 23rd Amendment – Formerly Washington Sports Club, 3270 M St. NW, Washington, DC. To see the performance schedule and purchase tickets ($15), go online.
COVID Safety: The audience is to remain masked for the show. The mask needs to cover your mouth and nose the whole time. Proof of vaccination and ID are checked before entry.
Genre: Drama
Age appropriateness: 13+
Luigi Laraia – Playwright
Pablo Andrade – Director
Dan Owen – President Salvador Allende
Richard Tanenbaum – Agent D
Zeon Riley – Sound and Lighting
Mike Gohacki (of the band Votive Crown) – composer
SEE ALSO: 2022 Capital Fringe Preview: ‘The Day Salvador Allende Died’ by Luigi Laraia
