La Gringa
by Carmen Rivera

Name: La Gringa
Brand: Carmen Rivera
SKU: 9780573663352
Rating: 3.62 (94 reviews)

Highlights

Small Cast

Female

Male

105 minsPresent DayRole(s) for Latine Actor(s)Interior SetContemporary Costumes/Street ClothesAmerican Comedy

Awards & Recognition

Obie Award

Winner! 1996 Obie Award

What readers are saying

Readers appreciate La Gringa for its engaging storytelling and significant representation of Latinx culture. Many commend Carmen Rivera's writing as not only humorous but also deeply touching. The play's accessibility in both Spanish and English is highlighted as a major plus.

Engaging storytellingSignificant Latinx representationHumorous and touchingExcellent bilingual accessibilityOne mild note: somewhat limited critical reception

Synopsis

Comedy / 3m 3f / AreasLa Gringa is about a young woman's search for her identity.

María Elena Garcia goes to visit her family in Puerto Rico during the Christmas holidays and arrives with plans to connect with her homeland.

Although this is her first trip to Puerto Rico she has had an intense love for the island and even majored in Puerto Rican Studies in college.

Once María is in Puerto Rico she realizes that Puerto Rico does not welcome her with open arms.

The majority of the Puerto Rica

ThemesEthnicity Ethnicity--Puerto Rico--Drama Ethnicity--United States--Drama PS3618.I843 G75 2008

Press Reviews

"Carmen Rivera’s deft playwriting delivers Maria from her personality crisis with spiritual transcendence."
— The Village Voice

"Carmen Rivera has succeeded in giving voice to the cultural search of Puerto Ricans raised in the Tower of Babel."
— El Diario La Prensa

Characters

Character	Gender	Age	Description
Manolo Cofresí Early 60s, her uncle; had dreams of pursuing acting when he was young; although he is very ill and near death, he possesses a lively spirit and a great sense of humor.	female	60s	Early 60s, her uncle; had dreams of pursuing acting when he was young; although he is very ill and near death, he possesses a lively spirit and a great sense of humor.
Iris Burgos María’s cousin, 24 years old; extroverted and a bit jealous of her cousin María.	female	—	María’s cousin, 24 years old; extroverted and a bit jealous of her cousin María.
Norma Burgos María’s aunt, Iris’ mother and Manolo’s sister; late 50s; never pursued her dream of being a singer and lives with much bitterness and resentment in her spirit.	female	50s	María’s aunt, Iris’ mother and Manolo’s sister; late 50s; never pursued her dream of being a singer and lives with much bitterness and resentment in her spirit.
Víctor Burgos Norma’s husband, early 60s; possesses a great deal of positive energy and has a huge capacity for love.	male	60s	Norma’s husband, early 60s; possesses a great deal of positive energy and has a huge capacity for love.
Ramón “Monchi” Reyes A neighbor, 24 years old; has an entrepreneurial spirit; started his own farm and falls in love with María.	male	—	A neighbor, 24 years old; has an entrepreneurial spirit; started his own farm and falls in love with María.
María Elena García 22 year-old Puerto Rican-American woman, born and raised in New York City; considered a “Nuyorican;” young and naïve.	female	—	22 year-old Puerto Rican-American woman, born and raised in New York City; considered a “Nuyorican;” young and naïve.