Chance Theater‘s “On the Radar” (OTR) staged reading of ‘at the very bottom of a body of water‘ tells an authentic story of grief and survival.
Back row (lt to rt) Director Sara Guerrero, Playwrite Benjamin Benne and Jocelyn L. Buckner. Bottom row (lt to rt) Peter James Smith, Keiko Elizabeth, Marta Portillo and Adriana Rodriguez Burciaga.
Last night, Chance Theater hosted a powerful staged reading of ‘at the very bottom of a body of water‘, written by their 2025 Resident Playwright Benjamin Benne and directed by Sara Guerrero. This event was part of Chance Theater‘s celebrated “On the Radar” (OTR) New Play Reading Series, which showcases innovative and impactful works still in progress. The intimate reading took place at 7:30 PM on the Cripe Stage at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center, captivating all those in attendance with its profound themes and raw performances.
‘at the very bottom of a body of water‘ delves into the quiet rituals we form to help us navigate the world. The story centers on Marina (Marta Portillo), a woman who finds solace in her weekly trips to a local fish store, where she purchases a catfish from Hiroshi (Peter James Smith), a kind-hearted man who has recently taken over the shop from his ailing father. The routine is an anchor for Marina until the absence of Hiroshi’s father disrupts her sense of comfort. This disruption forces Marina to grapple with the idea that destruction may not only bring pain, but could also open the door to growth and transformation. The play unfolds as a poetic exploration of how small disruptions can catalyze profound personal change.
The cast, led by the exceptional Marta Portillo, delivered performances that were nothing short of mesmerizing. Portillo’s portrayal of Marina was not only emotionally stirring, but deeply authentic—her grief was palpable, and the audience could feel her loss. Peter James Smith’s Hiroshi was both tender and poignant, adding complexity to the delicate relationship between the characters. The stellar Adriana Rodriguez Burciaga, who played the dual roles of Rosa Luz and Lulu, along with Keiko Elizabeth’s Yoko, all contributed immensely to bringing the characters to life. Their performances, though only having rehearsed for four days, felt more like a polished production than a mere table read—a testament to Sara Guerrero’s insightful direction.
(lt to rt) Keiko Elizabeth, Peter James Smith, Marta Portillo and Adriana Rodriguez Burciaga.
Benne’s writing is truly mesmerizing, capturing the essence of human vulnerability with striking clarity. During the talkback, his openness to audience feedback and his eagerness to ensure the work reaches its full potential demonstrated not only his professionalism but his deep commitment to the craft. As Chance Theater’s 2025 Resident Playwright, a Playwrights’ Center ’23-26 Core Writer, and one of the “LA Vanguardia” recognized by the Los Angeles Times for his groundbreaking work, Benne’s voice continues to shine brightly in the theater world.
The evening’s performance at the Chance Theater was a beautiful reflection of the play’s themes of loss, growth, and the power of small disruptions. Each actor brought a level of depth and nuance that left a lasting impact on the audience. Last night was not only a celebration of new work but a testament to the incredible talent behind it.
To find out more about the Chance Theater‘s 2025 season visit: https://chancetheater.com/2025-season/.
