The Abuelas presented by Teatro Vista at Victory Gardens Theater - Biograph

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...Another fascinating thing about this play is, of course, its Chicago setting. Throughout the action - and, truly, this is a very involving story - you find yourself thinking about all of the pasts of Chicago's massive population of persons born somewhere other than the United States. Walker is, of course, writing about how our beginnings still nag away at us, even if we have moved thousands of miles away, for one reason or another."

Chicago Sun Times - Recommended

"...The presence of Belen, who appears in a series of visions to Gabriela (and in a gratuitous flashback at the top of Act II), feels more like a writerly move to allow Ilse Zacharias to reprise her role from Teatro Vista's production of "The Madres" than a dramaturgical necessity. The character's mystical-ish visits impede upon the play's generally naturalistic bent. Gabriela has enough unexpected visitors to handle, without also having to reckon with ghosts."

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...Walker creates moments of real poignancy, which director Ricardo Gutiérrez's adroit cast exploit to great effect in this Teatro Vista world premiere. But without meaningful structure, even the most compelling incidents don't build in any particularly convincing direction."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...Imagine your whole world being tossed upside down. Imagine finding out that you are not who you think you are and that your parents may in fact be hunted criminals! This play will make you think, and as you are, think of the women ( and families) that had their futures taken away from them."

WTTW - Recommended

"...All in all, "The Abuelas" is an important story, and one that can stand alongside Isaac Gomez's "La Ruta" (seen earlier this season at Steppenwolf), another play inspired by social and political events in the southern hemisphere that often receive far too little attention."

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...What follows is the nuanced, articulate drama that has made Teatro Vista one of Chicago’s very finest theater companies. From Gabriela’s relationship to her mother and husband, to her spiritual connection to Argentina (brought out through deeply disturbing nightmares involving Belen, well played by Ilse Zacharias), everything is thrown off kilter from the revelation of Gabriela’s origins, and it is a marvel watching such a talented cast navigate such complex material."