The play Lipstick, which first premiered on Sunday, April 5, tells the story of a man confronting his mother's reflection, challenging notions of gender, personal traumas, and self-affirmation. The production stands out for its immersive narrative, live music, and profound vulnerability.
In addition to the premiere, the show will have other performances at the same New York theater on April 7, 16, and 19. Tickets for these functions are available through Edu Díaz's website.
Díaz arrived in New York after receiving a Fulbright scholarship in 2019. He previously brought his award-winning show A Drag Is Born to stages in New York, Florida, Los Angeles, and Edinburgh. Currently, he is also involved in the production of PETRUS, a large-format show.
Lipstick is directed by Canadian-American Lil Malinich, known for her work as a coach for performers such as Forest Whitaker. Live musical accompaniment is provided by Cuban maestro Angelho Díaz on the piano.
“"Lipstick arises from the coincidences and synergies that only happen in New York."
The play is inspired by a short story by Peruvian author Linda Morales Caballero, who proposed to Díaz to bring her story to the stage. Initially conceived as a 15-minute piece, Lipstick evolved into a 60-minute version after an extended presentation at FUERZAFest, organized by the Hispanic Federation of New York.
“"Lipstick, within the context of the play, symbolizes a magical element that makes you show yourself as you truly are. In some way, I trust that this play will bring the audience, even for a few moments, out of this invisibility that is sometimes self-imposed, so that they embrace our humanity."
The actor explained that the inclusion of live piano is a tribute to his childhood and memories of his father playing in traditional Canarian gatherings, a familiar atmosphere for many Canarian children.
The premiere of Lipstick was a resounding success, with a full house at the theater. Díaz shared the logistical difficulties prior to the performance, such as transporting the pianist's keyboard across Manhattan, but highlighted the satisfaction of seeing the theater full and the positive reception from the audience and critics.
“"Whenever I premiere a production, I feel a cosmic relief."
The play has received positive reviews, and Díaz particularly values constructive feedback that allows him to continue exploring and improving the creative process.
One of the main challenges in creating Lipstick was adapting the reality of queer individuals, seeking a balance between exposure and respect for privacy. However, Díaz states that once he steps onto the stage, conflicts dissipate, and he immerses himself in a “dream-ritual” with the audience, given the story's similarity to his own experience.
Trained in the clown technique, Díaz maintains constant interaction with his audience, creating an atmosphere of “human quality and reciprocity.” He considers himself a “storyteller” who seeks the audience's response.
During his participation in FUERZAFest, Díaz was awarded the Outstanding Performance Award. This festival is known for giving a voice to minority and marginalized communities, such as queer people and immigrants, which made the award a great source of pride for the actor. His ambition is to take Lipstick to “the most uncomfortable places in the world.”
In parallel, Díaz is working on PETRUS, a theatrical biography of Petrus Gonsalvus, with a spin-off where Queen Catherine de' Medici sells the show. The actor describes this project as “very ambitious, fun, and creative,” with the goal of presenting it in a large space with the resources it deserves.
