Lydia
by Octavio Solis

Name: Lydia
Brand: Octavio Solis
SKU: 9780573698163
Rating: 3.97 (167 reviews)

Highlights

Female

Male

1970sLGBTQ

What readers are saying

Readers are largely captivated by the intense emotional depth and gripping storytelling in the play. Many appreciate its exploration of family dynamics within the context of immigration and disability, although the depiction of incest raises significant discomfort for some. There's a strong sense of both appreciation and critique regarding its themes and character development, reflecting a mix of fascination and aversion among audiences.

Captivating storytellingDeep emotional themesStrong character developmentIncest theme is uncomfortable

Synopsis

Set in the 1970s on the Texas border separating the United States and Mexico, Lydia is an intense, lyrical, and magical play.

The Flores family welcomes Lydia, an undocumented maid, into their El Paso home to care for their daughter Ceci, who was tragically disabled in a car accident on the eve of her quinceañera.

Lydia’s immediate and seemingly miraculous bond with the girl sets the entire family on a mysterious and shocking journey of discovery.

Lydia is an unflinching and deeply emotional portrait of a Mexican immigrant family caught in a web of dark secrets.

Contains strong language and nudity.

Press Reviews

"An astonishing, expertly crafted tragedy that seduces and tempts you with its pulsing rhythms and evocative language until it has you fully under its spell."
— Denver Post

"Fresh, penetrating, often blissful."
— The New York Times

"[Octavio Solis] demands attention with his jazzy mix of Spanglish, poetry, pop lyrics, magical realism and emotional insight."
— Variety

Characters

Character	Gender	Age	Description
Misha the younger brother, 16	male	—	the younger brother, 16
Rene the older brother, 19	male	—	the older brother, 19
Rosa the mother	female	—	the mother
Claudio the father	male	—	the father
Alvaro the cousin, 22	—	—	the cousin, 22
Lydia the maid	—	—	the maid
Ceci the sister, 17	female	—	the sister, 17