Una Me Da Leche

by Cassie M. Seinuk

FULL LENGTH - Sent by her dying mother, Gabi, a young Jewish Latina, finds herself at a dusty storage unit in New Mexico, face to face with her half-brother Manuel, a tattooed junkie who is a devote worshipper of Santa Muerte, Our Lady of Death. Gabi must convince Manuel to come with her before their mother dies, but Manuel is determined to surrender to sure death himself as he waits for El Hombre, his assassin...

FULL LENGTH - Sent by her dying mother, Gabi, a young Jewish Latina, finds herself at a dusty storage unit in New Mexico, face to face with her half-brother Manuel, a tattooed junkie who is a devote worshipper of Santa Muerte, Our Lady of Death. Gabi must convince Manuel to come with her before their mother dies, but Manuel is determined to surrender to sure death himself as he waits for El Hombre, his assassin, to arrive. Now, Gabi must not only save her brother, but also face her own demons as the two struggle with questions of faith, love, and the lengths one goes for family.

read more
  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Reading List

Una Me Da Leche

Recommended by

  • Nick Malakhow: Una Me Da Leche by Cassie M. Seinuk
    “

    Wow! What a propulsively-paced, compelling piece led by two incredibly dynamic and fully-realized characters. The play begins with a startling and theatrical diptych of worship which serves as the perfect spring board to the journey Gabi and Manuel undergo. Seinuk explores trauma and its after-effects, faith and its identity-shaping power, and family with great nuance and depth. The particular identity intersections of the central characters lend complexity, heft, and specificity to these very universal themes and ideas. The twists and turns were consistently surprising and never gimmicky. I'd...

    Wow! What a propulsively-paced, compelling piece led by two incredibly dynamic and fully-realized characters. The play begins with a startling and theatrical diptych of worship which serves as the perfect spring board to the journey Gabi and Manuel undergo. Seinuk explores trauma and its after-effects, faith and its identity-shaping power, and family with great nuance and depth. The particular identity intersections of the central characters lend complexity, heft, and specificity to these very universal themes and ideas. The twists and turns were consistently surprising and never gimmicky. I'd love to see this powerful play on its feet!

    read more
    ”
  • Asher Wyndham: Una Me Da Leche by Cassie M. Seinuk
    “

    Along with the script's startling revelations, the development of Gabi and Manuel's relationship from strangers to siblings has perfect pacing - emotionally satisfying until the violent showdown with the assassin El Hombre. If you're looking for an unexpected brother-sister play or US/Mexico border drama, if you're interested in plays on faith and family, then check this out. Should be easy to produce given its single setting.

    Along with the script's startling revelations, the development of Gabi and Manuel's relationship from strangers to siblings has perfect pacing - emotionally satisfying until the violent showdown with the assassin El Hombre. If you're looking for an unexpected brother-sister play or US/Mexico border drama, if you're interested in plays on faith and family, then check this out. Should be easy to produce given its single setting.

    ”

Character Information

Playwright is open to making changes to the character El Hombre to make him female.
  • Gabi
    ethnically ambiguous leaning towards Latinx looking, but with lighter skin. She is tough and a bit plucky, but can easily get herself in over her head.
    late 20s
    Latinx,
    Jewish,
    half Latina
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Manuel
    Mexican or of Mexican heritage. He’s covered in tattoos, and rarely washes his clothes. He is slight, possibly very tall. He has a few noticeable scars on his body, and struggles with addiction. He prides himself on his faith and strong sense of his identity, even if he knows deep down he has doubts.
    late 30s
    Mexican,
    Latino
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • El Hombre
    Must have a Mexican accent. He is strong and tough and one of those people that when you see them, you know not to mess. He is a believer with no questions asked.
    20s-30s
    Mexican,
    South American,
    Latino
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male

Development History

  • Reading, Boston Conservatory at Berklee, 2021
  • Reading, The Boston Center for the Arts, 2019

Awards

  • The Granite State Playwrights’ Workshop
    Working Title Productions
    Honorable Mention
    2017