Borderline

FULL LENGTH: We are all told ghost stories as kids, but for children of the border, those stories are about more than just what goes bump in the night. They are very real warnings about the world outside their home. In the old cotton fields of Socorro, Texas, Enzo and Rosita have snuck away to write ghost stories, while Tony and Veronica are both building up the courage to tell the other a secret. Threatened by...

FULL LENGTH: We are all told ghost stories as kids, but for children of the border, those stories are about more than just what goes bump in the night. They are very real warnings about the world outside their home. In the old cotton fields of Socorro, Texas, Enzo and Rosita have snuck away to write ghost stories, while Tony and Veronica are both building up the courage to tell the other a secret. Threatened by a creature in the darkness, these two generations will have to rely on each other and the voice of the repentant Tío Ofelio to escape the desert alive. It’ll take made-up-myths, stories of the past, and a rendition of La Llorona to defeat the very real monster stalking children in the borderlands.

Borderline was developed as part of Echo Theater Company's National Young Playwrights in Residence Program (NYPR).

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Borderline

Recommended by

  • Shaun Leisher: Borderline

    This play is amazing!!! The writer has a gift for crafting relevant stories in the world of a specific genre. Genius to portray immigration as some kind of other-worldly, grotesque monster. I really felt for all of these characters as I got to know the different ways their lives relate to the border. This play could not be more relevant to the times we are living in. The playwrights has created a gift to directors, actors and designers. Please produce this play!!!

    This play is amazing!!! The writer has a gift for crafting relevant stories in the world of a specific genre. Genius to portray immigration as some kind of other-worldly, grotesque monster. I really felt for all of these characters as I got to know the different ways their lives relate to the border. This play could not be more relevant to the times we are living in. The playwrights has created a gift to directors, actors and designers. Please produce this play!!!

  • Lainie Vansant: Borderline

    Siañez-De La O is a talented storyteller, and this play is no exception. The myths and tales interwoven into this piece give it a sense of magic and wonder which contrasts with the dismal reality of life on the border. This is really lovely work that should be produced!

    Siañez-De La O is a talented storyteller, and this play is no exception. The myths and tales interwoven into this piece give it a sense of magic and wonder which contrasts with the dismal reality of life on the border. This is really lovely work that should be produced!

  • Nick Malakhow: Borderline

    A beautiful, haunting, gorgeous play! The central four young people in this play are so deftly rendered. It's so rare to have such complex roles for young people in a vividly-realized theatrical world that would great theater for audiences of all ages and types. The specificity of the relationships and the amazing stage pictures and fantastical elements give this both an epic/mythic feel with an intimate focus. I'd love to see this world realized onstage. It's a director, designer, and actor's dream. I look forward to following its trajectory.

    A beautiful, haunting, gorgeous play! The central four young people in this play are so deftly rendered. It's so rare to have such complex roles for young people in a vividly-realized theatrical world that would great theater for audiences of all ages and types. The specificity of the relationships and the amazing stage pictures and fantastical elements give this both an epic/mythic feel with an intimate focus. I'd love to see this world realized onstage. It's a director, designer, and actor's dream. I look forward to following its trajectory.

View all 8 recommendations

Character Information

Tío Ofelio and The Monster should be played by the same actor.
  • Enzo
    Character Age
    12
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Latino
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Rosita
    Character Age
    14
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Latino
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Tony
    Character Age
    18
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Latino
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Veronica
    Character Age
    18
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Latino
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Tío Ofelio/Man
    Character Age
    30s-40s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Latino
    Character Gender Identity
    Male

Development History

  • Type Workshop, Milagro, Year 2019
  • Type Residency, Organization Echo Theater Company, Year 2018
  • Type Reading, Organization Echo Theater Company, Year 2018

Awards

  • New American Voices Playwriting Festival
    The Landing Theatre Company
    Semi-Finalist
    2020
  • Seven Devils Playwrights Conference
    iD Theatre
    Semi-Finalist
    2019