Achieving the 'American dream' has always been a priority for the Rodriguez family. Through vignettes of events we meet Fernando, an adventurous businessman and Marta, the backbone of Fernando’s success.

But the more successful the business is growing, the more it would affect their relationship. Tired of being mistreated, Marta decides to take action. Little does she know what will come next for Fernando, not even tequila can cure the mind. Only Marta, better known as ‘abue’ can continue the legacy of the tortilleria and bring out the true meaning of family.

Production Concept:

Originally, the play was supposed to be performed in Central Falls, Rhode Island this year but due to Covid-19, our staged production is going virtual for the health and safety of the cast and audience. My intention is to produce the play to provide space, opportunity and community for Latinx performers. That mission will continue now virtually! From our very homes to yours! This recording is a private screening with the cast.

CAST:

Magnolia Perez- Marta

Robert Asencio- Fernando

Ashley Soto- Alejandra and Jorge

Misael Romano-Bernando

Miguel Santos- Carlos and Rufino

Iris Yinette - Josefina

Scarling Ferrera- Rosa and Customer

Taixa Lenid- Laura, Mesera, Activist, Giovanna

Analia Alcolea- Claudia, Mrs. Guff, Mrs. Rebello

Writer: Jennifer Sanchez

Marketing: Vanessa Villon

Costume: Miguel Santos

Creator: Jenny Sanchez]]>
Whether it is singing from the balconies in Italy, weddings performed on the street in NYC, “Knock It Off” t-shirts in my beloved Rhode Island, #getmePPE, mutual aid networks, or the zoom call my family attempted last week, our humanity is showing.

(I, for one, hope it sticks around for awhile.)

This had me thinking: What can I do? Coronacast is my attempt to extend the connection. I am one of the few, I’m guessing, enjoying the proliferation of videoconferencing. It brings me joy and comfort to see dear faces and have real conversations. In this moment of crisis, when you ask a genuine question, people respond with honesty, generosity, humor, wisdom, and love. Perhaps COVID-19 gives us an excuse to be just a tiny bit vulnerable with each other.

So here’s the first in what I hope will be a (time-limited) series of short video calls with interesting people. It’s part oral history, part small talk, part coping strategy. Informal and amateur, it’s meant to reflect the moment we’re in.

Episode 1 is Phil Ayoub of Beau Tyler & the Sly Dog Co., entrepreneur, songwriter, musician, and my cousin. “And now, I make a pretty good cup of coffee.”]]>
(Enthusiastic plug: Tomorrow happens to be the official release of Mary-Kim’s new poetry collection, The Fish and The Dove, which you absolutely should read.)

“Hope feels a little complicated,” said Mary-Kim, speaking for many of us.]]>
He talked with me, still early in the COVID-19 crisis, about how his staff and students were faring in the abrupt transition to our current reality. “There’s got to be a word,” Toby suggested, for everything is fine but also terrible. And he wonders how his 10-year-old son will look back at this time.]]>
“There’s connectivity everywhere,” David points out. He talked with me about the value of silly conversations, kindness, and takeout.

(And he knows a thing or two about takeout; check out David’s website for comprehensive lists of restaurants with takeout options, online local food and drink businesses, and breweries offering curbside sales. Whenever you can, buy local, Rhode Island!)

“We’ve got to be patient,” said David. “And kind.”]]>
“People make places,” Max said from his home in Boston. COVID-19 highlights many of the factors that shape the fabric of our places, like small businesses, automobile use, and outdoor spaces for humans. And we need to have tough conversations, he urged, that account for the lived experiences of our essential workers.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Max touched on what it’ll take to make change (spoiler alert: political restructuring and direct action), the daily rollercoaster of emotions that many of us are experiencing, and his affection for Providence. ⚓️]]>
The “how are you?” question is a struggle for everyone these days, and Adam coined a new response, declaring, “I’m good in corona-adjusted terms.”

He spoke about the paradox of feeling hopeful during this difficult time. “It’s hard to say this, because it’s such a hard moment, to acknowledge that there are good things happening in the midst of all this tragedy and in the midst of all this uncertainty,” Adam said. “I’ve been super inspired by how quickly society has been able to transition, and step out of comfort zones, to figure out how to keep going.”

Indeed.

And if you’re not into that kind of thing, hopefully you’ll enjoy the t-shirt banter. Happy Birthday, Adam! Thanks for doing what you do.]]>