Viva La Vida: Homage to Mexican culture
The night of Oct. 25, I had the opportunity to watch award-winning classical guitarist William Feasley at “Viva la Vida,” a homage to Frida Kahlo and Mexican culture. In the Dickinson Main Stage Theatre, Feasley performed songs “Ultimo Amor” composed by Octaviano Yanez, “Tres Piezas para Guitarra” composed by Carlos Chavez, “I am so alone” composed by Ronald Pearl for William Feasley, “La bikina” composed by Ruben Fuentes, “Tres Piezas para Guitarra” composed by Jorge Ritter, and a bonus song at the end, “Malaguña.”
Feasley walked onto the stage with a lone light shining on him, bringing the focus on him. This lighting and his simple set up of a lone chair and microphone created an intimate atmosphere. Pictures of Frida Kahlo’s paintings were presented behind Feasley as he played. Paintings included “Frieda and Diego Rivera,” “Self-portrait on the Borderline Between Mexico and the United States,” and many more.
Between songs, Feasley’s stage presence was charismatic, fitting in stories with fun and short quips. His stories gave important and interesting background information to give more meaning to each song.
Though unfamiliar with Mexican classical music, I couldn’t help but get swept along with each song.
The Viva la Vida performance was organized by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and was partly funded by the Paul Mellon Endowment and the Jean Stafford Camp Memorial Fund. To see more events for Fall 2025, visit the performing arts page on the PVCC website.
