Acclaim for MORTIDO, written by Angela Betzien and directed by Leticia Caceres

Gritty crime drama MORTIDO premiered this month in Adelaide, scripted by Angela Betzien and directed by Leticia Caceres. Exploring the sordid dealings involved in the traffic and distribution of cocaine, and chronicling the human wreckage that occurs as a consequence of this, MORTIDO has been commended by critics as “gutsy and confronting” (Murray Bramwell, The Australian), and as a “potent, edgy and electrifying theatrical experience” (Stephen Davenport, Australian Stage).

Critics have particularly praised Angela’s script and Leticia’s skillful direction, with Nikki Fort of The Clothesline writing, “Angela Betzien’s brilliant script graphically lays us open to the best piece of kick-in-the-guts theatre to have graced an Adelaide stage in a very long time… [and] Leticia Caceres’ excellent direction ensures the larger-than-life characters are always believable, multi-dimensional and human, even when behaving monstrously”.

Peter Maddern of Kyrztoff has said, “Translating the freedoms of film to the stage is a challenge that Betzien and director Leticia Cáceres have pursued with enthusiasm… We are transported effortlessly not only around Sydney but to Mexico and elsewhere in South America”, and Benjamin Orchard of Stage Whispers has also praised Angela and Leticia, writing, “Angela Betzien’s dialogue is possessed of a rapier sharp wit, and moments of unexpected gallows humour abound… [and] the director, Leticia Caceres, does an impressive job of thinking outside the box in terms of representing acts of sex n’ violence”.

Ben Brooker of Daily Review has said, “Leticia Cáceres, a frequent collaborator with Betzien, directs in a pleasingly complementary fashion”, and Brian Godfrey of Glam Adelaide has also praised the production, saying, “This thrilling and ambitious crime play builds upon its stellar acting and profound script to explode in a truthfully killer desire, with a sophisticated four-act structure fulfilling a hellish cycle of life”.

Jason Blake of Sydney Morning Herald has said, “Gripping and black-humoured, Angela Betzien’s drama takes its audience on a dark voyage into the international cocaine trafficking business. Though Mortido occupies a little over two hours stage time, her characters and storyline could easily sustain several seasons of an HBO series.”

MORTIDO plays at the State Theatre Company of SA in Adelaide until 31st October, and then transfers to Belvoir, where it will play from 6th November until 17th December. Tickets for the State Theatre Company of SA production are available on their website, and tickets for the Belvoir production are available here. Photo by Shane Reid.