The Los Medanos College Drama department is performing their first play of the semester with a rendition of “2 Sisters and a Piano.”

Originally written by Cuban-American playwright Nilo Cruz and published in 1998, “2 Sisters and a Piano” goes in depth about the repressive Cuban regime of 1991.

Directed by Clint Sides, the play takes place in 1991 and features two sisters who live in Cuba. The main characters are Maria Celia Obispo, a novelist, and Sofia Obispo, a pianist. They are serving time under house arrest due to a political manifesto Maria wrote.

Lieutenant Portuondo is assigned to check on the sisters and ends up becoming infatuated with Maria, even though the officer’s politics get in the way of his feelings.

This play features a four person cast of LMC drama alumni. Cesar Reyes, playing Lieutenant Portuondo, Neftali Jiminez, playing Victor Manuel and a militia guard. Karen Hernandez will be playing novelist Maria Celia Obispo and Alexis Moreno will play pianist Sofia Obispo.

The story is about the power of love between the two sisters and the power individuals have to cope with extraordinary circumstances.

The play is expected to make people feel connected and one with the show. 

“I believe people will see a part of themselves in our play. Some feel trapped, many have loved and so many of us are fighting for our dreams to come true,” said Reyes.

This is not Reyes’ first go-around with the LMC Drama department. He has acted in numerous plays at Los Medanos, including an adaptation of Ken Kesey’s “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.”

The play is a reunion for all of the actors and actresses involved. 

“What I will cherish the most from this production is the fact that the cast and director are fellow alumni, it isn’t often we get the opportunity to light up old torches,” said actor Neftali Jiminez, who performed in many plays at LMC from 2009-2012 until graduating with his A.A. degree. Reyes explained that he feels the same way. 

“All the actors are alumni from LMC’s Drama department. It is a reunion of sorts,” said Reyes, “Karen went on to graduate from St. Mary’s College, Neftalie graduated from the University of Idaho and Alexis graduated from UC Berkeley … We have built a family around this play and are looking forward to sharing it with everyone.” 

“2 Sisters and a Piano” will open at 7 p.m. Feb. 27, 28 and 29, with a matinee showing on Feb. 29 at 2 p.m. The general admission is $15, it’s $12 for students or servicemembers with an ID and $10 for people with a middle school or high school ID. 

For more information, visit https://www.losmedanos.edu/drama.