←Recommendations of 1898 or How Sugar Conquered The Enchantment

  • Tim Collingwood: 1898 or How Sugar Conquered The Enchantment by Nelson Diaz-Marcano
    “

    Where theatre is most powerful is when it shows you something while telling you. I'll admit I don't know much about the history of Puerto Rico before U.S. colonization, and this play does a stellar job in showing the island's rich history as it is on the precipice of change from U.S. occupation. The characters are rich, the plot compelling, and it leaves you wondering how much has actually changed since 1898.

    Where theatre is most powerful is when it shows you something while telling you. I'll admit I don't know much about the history of Puerto Rico before U.S. colonization, and this play does a stellar job in showing the island's rich history as it is on the precipice of change from U.S. occupation. The characters are rich, the plot compelling, and it leaves you wondering how much has actually changed since 1898.

    ”
  • Playwrights Foundation: 1898 or How Sugar Conquered The Enchantment by Nelson Diaz-Marcano
    “

    The community of National Committee readers for the 46th Bay Area Playwrights Festival advanced 1898 OR HOW SUGAR CONQUERED THE ENCHANTMENT as a Semi-Finalist at Playwrights Foundation. We were compelled by this story of American capitalist seduction on an influential family that becomes complicit, with the energy and pace as the monster of colonialism tries to consume the young. We were highly engaged by the play's rhythms, poetic imagery, and hope in the midst of impending injustices. We hope this play is considered for further development and investigation, and finds dedicated collaborators...

    The community of National Committee readers for the 46th Bay Area Playwrights Festival advanced 1898 OR HOW SUGAR CONQUERED THE ENCHANTMENT as a Semi-Finalist at Playwrights Foundation. We were compelled by this story of American capitalist seduction on an influential family that becomes complicit, with the energy and pace as the monster of colonialism tries to consume the young. We were highly engaged by the play's rhythms, poetic imagery, and hope in the midst of impending injustices. We hope this play is considered for further development and investigation, and finds dedicated collaborators in this play’s journey towards production. #BAPF46

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    ”
  • Juan Ramirez, Jr.: 1898 or How Sugar Conquered The Enchantment by Nelson Diaz-Marcano
    “

    As a National Committee Reader for the Bay Area Playwrights Festival, I was introduced to this play that takes place in Puerto Rico, where a family's coffee plantation is impacted by the arrival of an investor, revealing secrets within the family, while also taking everything from them. This wonderfully structured play embraces Gothic horror elements, engaging monologues and a strong soundscape - all meant to take audiences into the haunting Enchantment. This play focuses on the impact of power, secrets and most daunting of all, a scary change, all the while leaving hope for the island's...

    As a National Committee Reader for the Bay Area Playwrights Festival, I was introduced to this play that takes place in Puerto Rico, where a family's coffee plantation is impacted by the arrival of an investor, revealing secrets within the family, while also taking everything from them. This wonderfully structured play embraces Gothic horror elements, engaging monologues and a strong soundscape - all meant to take audiences into the haunting Enchantment. This play focuses on the impact of power, secrets and most daunting of all, a scary change, all the while leaving hope for the island's people.

    read more
    ”
  • Chelsea Frandsen: 1898 or How Sugar Conquered The Enchantment by Nelson Diaz-Marcano
    “

    Once again masterful Diaz-Marcano delivers a powerhouse of a story that strips back the facades we live under to expose the very real issues we are still dealing with today, including sacrifices we believe we are forced to make to get what we want, and how others can manipulate us to achieve their own goals. Must read, must see, must produce NOW!!!!

    Once again masterful Diaz-Marcano delivers a powerhouse of a story that strips back the facades we live under to expose the very real issues we are still dealing with today, including sacrifices we believe we are forced to make to get what we want, and how others can manipulate us to achieve their own goals. Must read, must see, must produce NOW!!!!

    ”
  • Cheryl Bear: 1898 or How Sugar Conquered The Enchantment by Nelson Diaz-Marcano
    “

    "If it looks too good to be true..." What will a family do when they may just loose everything? A riveting and revealing journey that exposes all.

    "If it looks too good to be true..." What will a family do when they may just loose everything? A riveting and revealing journey that exposes all.

    ”
  • Alexander Perez: 1898 or How Sugar Conquered The Enchantment by Nelson Diaz-Marcano
    “

    A gripping cosmic nightmare in the tropics that sees evil incarnate disguise itself as opportunity with a friendly face. There are monstrosities and hellish visions aplenty, but the true terror comes from recognizing ourselves underneath the grotesque manifestations of man's ugliest desires. The gift offered in exchange for the horror, is hope; whatever that may be worth.

    A gripping cosmic nightmare in the tropics that sees evil incarnate disguise itself as opportunity with a friendly face. There are monstrosities and hellish visions aplenty, but the true terror comes from recognizing ourselves underneath the grotesque manifestations of man's ugliest desires. The gift offered in exchange for the horror, is hope; whatever that may be worth.

    ”