underneathmybed
Overview
Running from September 1 to October 16, 2010, the play focused on an intimate, character-driven family story, carrying emotional themes that felt personal and deeply rooted.
underneathmybed centers on the Jimenez family, whose home becomes the setting for a growing sense of unease. What begins as a subtle disturbance, something hinted at beneath Daisy’s bed, slowly expands into a presence that affects the entire household. The suggestion of something hidden, whether real or imagined, lingers and builds tension throughout the play.
Set in a community where stability feels fragile, the story unfolds against the backdrop of a place marked by conflict and unresolved history. The influence of a distant and violent political past begins to seep into the present, shaping the emotional landscape of the family and blurring the line between what is remembered and what is happening now.
At the same time, the play follows a woman revisiting a pivotal moment in her life, one tied to loss, disappearance, and the feeling of being untethered from her own identity. Her recollections move in and out of the present, adding another layer to the narrative and deepening the sense that time within the play is not fixed.
As the story progresses, the household becomes a space where memory, trauma, and imagination overlap. Moments shift between grounded reality and something more abstract, creating an atmosphere that is both intimate and unsettling.
Through this layered structure, underneathmybed explores how personal and collective histories continue to shape the present, and how families carry the weight of what is left unspoken.
The Production
Set within a family home shaped by memory and tension, underneathmybed explores themes of trauma, identity, and the lingering presence of the past.
The story moves between grounded domestic moments and more surreal imagery, creating an atmosphere that feels both familiar and unsettling.
Pedro’s direction embraced this contrast, allowing the emotional weight of the story to unfold while supporting the play’s more stylized and symbolic elements.
Direction and Style
As a director, Pedro approached the material with a focus on emotional truth and collaboration.
The production incorporated theatrical techniques that heightened the storytelling, blending realism with moments that felt dreamlike or visually striking. Lighting, sound, and staging worked together to create a shifting tone that moved between intimacy and tension.
His direction allowed the performances to remain central, giving space for each character’s emotional journey while shaping the overall rhythm of the piece.
Creative Collaboration
The play was written by Florencia Lozano, whose work is closely connected to the LAByrinth Theater Company. Pedro worked alongside Lozano and a close-knit group of collaborators to develop the production over time, building it through readings and workshops before its full staging. This collaboration was an important part of the play’s development, reflecting the supportive and creative environment that shaped the project.
Reception
The production was noted for its bold and imaginative approach. Pedro’s direction was recognized for taking creative risks while delivering a visually engaging and emotionally layered experience. The use of theatrical and stylistic elements added depth to the storytelling, creating moments that were both striking and memorable.
https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/13/theater/reviews/13underneath.html
https://michaelfairmantv.com/oltls-florencia-lozanos-new-play-set-to-open-in-nyc/2010/08/10/
