A
strid Hadad
is a wise, sassy,
and petite powerhouse
who illuminated my
computer's small
screen with her
megawatt wit and
personality during
our brief Skype
conversation.
Michèle Desfrenne,
Hadad's French
partner, was nearby
to fill in any gaps in
her forceful English.
It was like watching
the coming attractions
of a spicy Latina
blockbuster set
in their art-filled
Mexico City aerie.
Born in Mexico of Lebanese
parents, Hadad grew up in
Quintana Roo on the Yucatan
Peninsula. The only Lebanese
thing she retained was the food.
Her first-generation background
allowed her to see Mexico from a
slightly different angle, past the
built-in prejudice against native
people. "My Lebanese roots made
me love Mexico even more," she
says in her strong, smoky voice.
With her long dark hair, penetrating
brown eyes, striking profile, and earthy
allure, Hadad resembles the Aztec
goddesses she channels in her stage
shows. Though the Yucatan is the
home of the Mayan culture, most of
Hadad's work is influenced by the
Aztecs because, she says, "I live in
Mexico City, and the Aztecs were the
imperialists of their time."
Astrid
Hadad
An Aztec Priestess
in the 21st Century
B Y M A N U E L I G R E J A S
52 www.peakperfs.org
Photo: Fernando Trejo