Two prisoners — one a revolutionary, the other a queer idealist — are forced to share a cell while outside the prison an authoritarian regime uses state-sanctioned terror to remain in control. Set in 1970s Argentina, Kiss of the Spider Woman by Manuel Puig is a classic of Latin American literature, brought back to the stage of the GALA Hispanic Theatre as part of its 50th anniversary. The story of Valentín and Molina is a reminder that even in the darkest times, people find ways to build connection through stories and to show kindness even to those who are different from them.
This is a particularly emotive revival for GALA. The play was staged in 1994 with GALA co-founder Hugo Medrano in the role of Molina, which earned him a Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Lead Actor, the first for a Spanish-language performance in DC. On opening night, his wife, executive director of GALA Rebecca Medrano, offered a moving tribute to her late husband and dedicated the production to him.
The play opens with Molina (Martín Ruiz) narrating a movie about a “panther woman” to his reluctantly enthralled cellmate Valentín (Rodrigo Pedreira). Molina is feminine and passionate, obsessed with Hollywood films, and imprisoned for being homosexual (under the charge of “corrupting minors”). He stands in stark contrast to Valentín, a rigidly idealistic and aggressively masculine political prisoner committed to the fight against exploitation and inequality. As Molina attempts to distract them from their ordeal and bring a domestic normalcy to their relationship, Valentín pushes back, fearful that accepting kindness will compromise his ability to continue his fight against tyranny. But as the story progresses, their vulnerability and openness bring them into each other’s worlds, a brief respite from the pain and fear of their reality.
Ruiz and Pedreira have an undeniable chemistry, even when they are at odds with each other. Ruiz portrays Molina with a mix of vulnerability and impeccable comedic timing, a Hollywood heroine who refuses to lose her dignity. Pedreira’s Valentín is a caged tiger, his body language as clear as his line delivery, unwinding gradually as the character slowly puts down his defenses and allows himself to open up, which is the ultimate act of courage.
The production supports the performances through a mix of lighting and original music to mark the transition between scenes and reflect the characters’ emotional tenor. The stage is designed like a black box, the stark gray walls of the cell looming large over the actors. A square platform in the center of the stage serves as their beds and where the prisoners store their limited belongings. Wardrobe is also used to great effect, both as another visual reminder of the differences between the two men and, as it is shed during several powerful scenes, as a way to mark their growing closeness and dependence on each other.
Award-winning director José Luis Arellano weaves deeply intimate moments between the two actors with dramatic and often hilarious interactions. The production maintains a satisfying pace and connects with the audience through the characters’ emotional journey. This is Arellano’s 13th collaboration with GALA and the first time GALA is bringing to the stage an Argentinian play, selected in part as a commentary on the current political climate in Washington. Even if outside the theater, military vehicles and soldiers roam the streets of DC, in the GALA theater, the audience can find a few hours of escape, of connection and storytelling.
Running Time: Approximately one hour and 50 minutes including intermission.
Kiss of the Spider Woman (El Beso de la Mujer) plays through September 28, 2025, with showtimes on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm at GALA Hispanic Theatre, 333 14th St NW, Washington, DC. Regular tickets range from $25 to $50. Discounted tickets are available for $35 (seniors 65+, military, groups 10+) and $25 (under 25). For tickets and more details go online or call (202) 234-7174.
The production is in Spanish with English surtitles. Friday night socials featuring live Latin music and karaoke will take place Friday nights through September 26 in the GALA lobby.
GALA Theatre is fully accessible, with an elevator and wheelchair seating. Validated parking ($4) is available at the Giant garage on Park Road NW, with additional parking at the Target garage. GALA is one block from the Columbia Heights Metro (Green/Yellow lines).
Kiss of the Spider Woman
By Manuel Puig
Directed José Luis Arellano
CAST
Martín Ruiz as Molina
Rodrigo Pedreira as Valentín
CREATIVE TEAM
Tony Cisek (Scenic Design), Hailey LaRoe (Lighting & Projections Design), Cidney Forkpah (Costumes Design), Koki Lortkipanidze (Sound Design), and Tessa Grippaudo (Properties Design). Luz Nicolás is Assistant Director and Technical Director is Anson Stevie. Ilyana Rose-Dávila is Production Manager, Company Administrator is Lorena Suárez, and Delbis Cardona is Artistic Associate.
SEE ALSO:
GALA Hispanic Theatre launches 50th season with ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’ (news story, July 31, 2025)
