Lisa Ramirez (Darja)
Oakland Theatre Project’s production of Martyna Majok’s “Ironbound”creates a raw and intense psychological portrait of the often-ignored personal struggles of immigrant women. Immigrants, who we may see every day in any city waiting on a wrought iron bench for a bus.
We first meet Darja, a 42-year-old Polish immigrant, on a dull iron-gray bench, resting on a set with muted tones of ash and dirt depicting a location somewhere within industrial Elizabeth, New Jersey. A discarded tire and scattered trash sit to one side. Dim colors wash the set in differing hues that shift with time and moods. Soft Jazz permeates in the background. She’s waiting for a bus.
This bench becomes her resting place, and the axis of the story jumps years between 1992 and 2014, projected onto the walls.
Playwright Martyna Majok, perceptive Director Emile Whelan, and the commanding Lisa Ramirez fully inhabit the essence of Darja. Ramirez exhibits a roller coaster of feelings, and masterfully utilizes gestures, movements, and powerful silences.
Daniel Duque-Estrada (Tommy), Lisa Ramirez ( Darja)
We first meet Darja with the temperamental on and off boyfriend, Tommy (Daniel Duque-Estrada), a postal worker in 2014. He pleads with her to take him back after he cheated on her, yet again. She needs him. He has steady work. She depends on a menial factory job and dreaded house cleaning. He owns a car. She depends on the unreliable bus. What she wants isn’t romance. What she’s always has needed is money. And a car. Her 22-year-old, drug addicted son, has stolen her car.
The chemistry between Ramirez and Duque-Estrada is palpable. Their scenes are filled with yelling, interruptions, and moments of stark vulnerability. Tommy has betrayed her, and Darja won’t be dismissed, she turns to attack. She’s no stranger to being left or used. Her moods fluctuate drastically. Duque-Estrada’s frightening voice and sudden, jerky movements toward her intensifies the tension. Feelings mount and wane as tenderness creeps back in. The actors show the depth and breadth of each emotional transition as their entangled relationship unfolds; both fear loneliness.
Adam KuveNiemann (Maks), Lisa Ramirez (Darja)
Flashbacks take us to a younger Darja and her first husband, Maks (Adam KuveNiemann), an idealistic Polish immigrant and aspiring musician. They forge their way to America for that American dream. KuveNiemann excels as Maks, a suave and passionate husband with charm who plans to follow his dream in Chicago, “to make a stamp in his life.” But Darja wants security, not dreams. Undeterred, he leaves her—humming.
She marries the abusive boss of the factory whom we never see.
Vic, (Kevin Rubultin) a rich, sharp, street-smart teen appears suddenly as Darja sleeps, head on the tire. Played by Rubultin with vibrant energy and sly nuance, Vic becomes both a comic relief and a momentary confidant. Frenetic movements and cryptic exchanges lead to a heartwarming connection. He is truly trying to help her in her darkest hour. Her boss and lover has just thrown her out, leaving her bruised, alone, and exposed to her worst fear: vulnerability.
Lisa Ramirez (Darja), Kevin Rubultin (Vic)
Darja is not just a character in a play. She’s the woman cleaning motel rooms, the woman working night shifts in a warehouse, the woman waiting—waiting—for a break, for a bus, for a better life.
Oakland Theatre Project’s “Ironbound” mirrors the internal fight for dignity for those caught in the margins.
This is must see. Very emotional. Very real.
“Ironbound” by Martyna Majok, directed by Emilie Whelan, set designed by Sam Fehr, costumes by Bethany Deal, lighting by Ashley Munday, sound by Ray Archie, at Oakland Theater Project, Oakland. Info: oaklandtheaterproject.org – to May 25, 2025.
Cast: Lisa Ramirez, Daniel Duque-Estrada, Adam KuveNiemann, and Kevin Rebultan.
Photos: Ben Krantz Studio