Native Gardens Proves Good Fences Don’t Always Make Good Neighbors at the South Camden Theatre Company
by Shannon Reed
Robert Frost is credited with saying “Good Fences Make Good Neighbors.” What Frost didn’t say, however, is what to do when the fence itself ignites a feud. Luckily, Native Gardens by Karen Zacarias helps us find some solutions.
On stage at the South Camden Theatre Company, Native Gardens is being directed by Natalie Payán during the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Under Payán’s direction, the cast masterfully navigated the topics of class, race and generational conflict. It was evident throughout that the cast were expertly guided in their choices that helped bring the story to life and navigate character choices through difficult topics. Pam Staley, Props Manager, Robert Bingaman, Scenic Design and Marketing, and Scenic Assistants, Deborah Sperry, Jean Harden, Steve Segal, Jordan Feld, Joe Wilmes, Carlos Quinterro, Emerson Twilley, and Floyd Walston, crafted a set that also helped to truly create the world of the play. The set was equipped with a replica oak tree, gardens, fences and houses that helped create the Washington DC setting. Lighting designed by Hunter A. Mountz, Sound designed by Marcus Dominguez, and Costumes designed by Autumn Scoutenu also enhanced the scene and helped the audience gauge the passage of time to see the story unfold. The pacing and transitions throughout the show were well managed by Stage Manager Abby Schecter.
At the start of the show, we meet Pablo (Jonathan Moreno) and Tania (Krystal Rosa), a successful young couple moving into a fixer upper and expecting their first child. Their neighbors are an older couple, Virginia (Donne Petito) and Frank (James Gavin). In their first meeting the neighbors cordially get to know each other while also quelling assumptions about each other’s status and background. This first conversation is also where tensions begin to brew over two different gardening styles. We learn that Frank is a devoted gardener who is eagerly trying to win the upcoming gardening competition with his European style garden. Tania, also a gardener, emphasizes the importance of a Native Garden that can help the natural ecosystem. While neither side is willing to concede on their gardening style, they do all agree that a new fence is needed and preferred between their yards. We then meet a landscaping crew (Caren Bermudez, Jennifer Spencer-Worthington, and Celeste M. Rodriguez) who measure the area and learn that the current division is incorrect and Pablo and Tania’s new fence needs to go into Frank’s prized garden. As the couples try to navigate this land dispute, tensions continue to rise causing both sides to make assumptions about the other and their motives and needs.
Every character in the show struggles with holding two opposing truths at the same time. The cast did an excellent job balancing the two truths for their character and highlighting the impact of having to hold each. Rosa’s emotional depth paired with Moreno’s earnest ambition helped to illustrate the dissonance that their characters felt within themselves, with each other, and with their neighbors. Petito and Gavin’s portrayal of Virginia and Frank allowed the audience to see all of the facets of their characters. Petito expertly portrayed Virginia's domineering personality while also sharing the tenderness within her. Gavin’s portrayal of Frank showcased passion in each aspect of his life whether discussing his hopes for his son or his wants to win the garden competition. Ensemble members Bermudez, Spencer- Worthington, and Rodriguez brought levity to the show. Providing nearly no dialogue in their scenes, their body language and reactions provided comic relief in each scene they were in.
In today’s cultural climate it can be difficult to disagree and difficult to discuss divisive topics. Plays like Native Gardens help to remind us of the effect of our words and actions beyond ourselves. Good neighbors are made by good conversations and finding our commonalities and good gardens are made by compromise and learning from others.
Native Gardens is playing at the South Camden Theatre Company until October 4, 2026. Tickets can be purchased at https://southcamdentheatrecompanyinc.thundertix.com/events/257482/performances
