Cast Photo by Ed Krieger

El laberinto de la soledad (The Labyrinth of Solitude) is an essay by Nobel laureate Octavio Paz. It is also the inspiration for EvelinaÕ FernandezÕs latest play, SolitudeÑin production through October 4, at the Los Angeles Theatre Center (staged by the Latino Theater Company). Jose Luis Valenzuela gracefully directs Solitude as a performance piece steeped in stirring philosophical overtones.

Returning to the neighborhood where he grew up but left long ago, Gabriel (an emotionally vulnerable Geoffrey Rivas) is grieving his motherÕs death. The funeral provides the opportunity for a reunion of sorts for the lachrymose, but now well-to-do, Gabriel. In attendance at Mama CarmenÕs memorial are a cadre of GabrielÕs old acquaintances, including his former lover, Ramona (playwright Fernandez in an enchanting portrayal) and ex-best buddy, Johnny (the charismatic Sal Lopez). Though Gabriel has succeeded beyond all expectations and is married to the lovely Sonia (Lucy Rodriguez in fine form), he is still plagued by a vacancy in his soul; heÕs pulled his roots; heÕs childless; now, his mother is dead. Existential crisis, anyone?

After all, what is life but devolution into death? And what is the relationship between birth and death anyway? Moreover, if one has no progeny, is that not the most actual and permanent sort of death? But, understanding, if not redemption, could be in store for Gabriel. When Gabriel discovers that his housekeeper, Juana, has deserted her duties as a ÒdomesticÓ to attend the Million Immigrant March, GabrielÕs frustration becomes the seed for potential liberation.

Director Valenzuela, in collaboration with choreographer Urbanie Lucero (yes, there are plenty of intriguingly frenetic dance moves made by this devoted ensemble), has crafted Solitude into a sensual and moody pageant of passion, full of lust and deeply despairing. Each scene is fluidly segmented with projected titles (by Christopher Ash) announcing, in light florid calligraphy, the scenic segues.

Throughout this two-hour dramatic contemplation is CheloÑthat is, a player and his stringed instrument (a focused Semyon Kobialka, who also composed the showÕs music)Ñproviding the melodic soundtrack to the darkly elegiac proceedings. WhatÕs more, a set design by Francios-Pierre Couture provides a literal, yet slanted, frame for the action. ItÕs as if we are observing a come-to-life portrait of a fever-dream.

A powerful performance is delivered by Robert Beltran, identified only as The Man who acts as a sort of solo-chorus narrating the proceedings and lending guidance to the other characters. Fidel Gomez also adds solid support in the pivotal role of Angel. Solitude is certain to challenge, if not overwhelm, audience members.

Whether Solitude leads to frustration or liberation for theatergoers may largely depend on the predisposition of the individual patron. Still, thereÕs plenty of spectacle here and always something to see and appreciate.

Solitude continues at the Los Angeles Theatre CenterÑ514 South Spring StreetÑthrough October 4. Show times are at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Matinees are at 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. (There are no performances on October 3.) For reservations, dial (213) 489 Ð 0994, ext. 107. For online ticketing, visit HYPERLINK "http://www.thelatc.com" www.thelatc.com.