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Entertainment

Actor celebrates his rebirth in bay area

After landing in Gulfport by way of Brazil and New York, an artist will stage a meaning-of-life play.

By JON WILSON
Published January 26, 2005

GULFPORT - Wilson Loria, a well-traveled Brazilian dramatist who moved to Gulfport last year, makes his debut as a Tampa Bay artist this weekend.

Loria's play To the Winners opens at 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Catherine Hickman Theatre, 5501 27th Ave. S.

In the 60-minute play, Loria, 45, uses mime, dance, accordion playing, background music and sound effects to chronicle a young man's search for a long-lost message he says was whispered to him on the day he was born.

Through 10 scenes involving fantasy and history, the audience tries to decipher the message.

Loria won't give away its exact nature, but does drop a hint. "It's about love. Love is what matters," he said.

For the past few weeks, Loria has been trying to get the word out about his work, hoping to find a niche here.

"My very first step is to create a following," he said. "I don't think we have this kind of (solo) work being done."

Sao Paulo, Brazil, is his hometown. He said his father, Waldemar Loria, still teaches the Brazilian martial art and dance called capoeira at age 75.

Loria became a professional actor while still a teenager. His 28-actor group emphasized performances for street kids - the disenfranchised, homeless youth who have become the subject of documentaries and literature.

The performances included a political message, Loria said, intended to empower youngsters.

"I am who I am because of that experience," Loria said. He said he sees himself as a humanist who, through his solo performances, tries to relate to each and every audience member - admittedly a difficult challenge.

Loria majored in English at Pontifical Catholic University, then went to New York University for a master's degree in performance studies. His one-act play Nuns at Luncheon opened at the Gateway Theater in New York in 1989. To the Winners has played in New York, Miami, Sao Paulo and Curitiba, Brazil.

Loria's resume includes a stint as assistant director to Brazilian performer Denise Stoklos in two plays at La MaMa theater.

After living in New York City for nearly 20 years, Loria decided to move to Florida.

"Basically, it was the weather," he said.

Gulfport, he said, suits him fine.

"Gulfport is a very artsy community. So when you open your mouth and you are an actor, people want to know what you're doing."

After this weekend, To the Winners heads for the Silver Meteor Gallery in Tampa's Ybor City, 2213 E Sixth Ave. It will play at 8 p.m. Feb. 4-5 and Feb. 11-12; and at 3 p.m. Feb. 6 and Feb. 13.

Tickets cost $10 in advance, $12 at the door. For information, call (727) 656-8053. For information about the Tampa performance, call (813) 300-3585.

[Last modified January 26, 2005, 00:13:15]