SKIN

by Anamaria Guerzon

Zora is a young, non-binary Filipino artist, aspiring to make their way in the Seattle Tattoo industry. When they find a mentor in Judy, Zora enters the world of tattoo, finding the art form’s deep ties to Filipino culture. Judy teaches Zora how to navigate the tense environment of the white-dominated tattoo industry, while pressures intensify thanks to Carl, the authoritarian shop owner.

As the painful history...

Zora is a young, non-binary Filipino artist, aspiring to make their way in the Seattle Tattoo industry. When they find a mentor in Judy, Zora enters the world of tattoo, finding the art form’s deep ties to Filipino culture. Judy teaches Zora how to navigate the tense environment of the white-dominated tattoo industry, while pressures intensify thanks to Carl, the authoritarian shop owner.

As the painful history of Filipino colonization begins to crash into the present, Zora finds themself caught at the convergence point of tattoo now and then– discovering what it means to live in a marginalized body.

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SKIN

Recommended by

  • Shaun Leisher: SKIN by Anamaria Guerzon
    “

    A beautiful play about a historical figure that has been forgotten. A play about the cultural and personal significance of tattoos. Loved how place and time is played with. Loved the choice for doubling here. I can't wait to see what a scenic designer does with this play. Produce this play and keep Jeoly's story alive.

    A beautiful play about a historical figure that has been forgotten. A play about the cultural and personal significance of tattoos. Loved how place and time is played with. Loved the choice for doubling here. I can't wait to see what a scenic designer does with this play. Produce this play and keep Jeoly's story alive.

    ”
  • Daniel Repp: SKIN by Anamaria Guerzon
    “

    Guerzon crafts a story across time which is both heartbreaking and hopeful, full of both depth and momentum.

    Guerzon crafts a story across time which is both heartbreaking and hopeful, full of both depth and momentum.

    ”
  • Nabra Nelson: SKIN by Anamaria Guerzon
    “

    A beautiful, heartfelt, and enrapturing narrative about two timelines that are connected through the art of tattooing. Anamaria Guerzon highlights the historical and modern significance of tattooing, and weaves in personal stories and complicated relationships masterfully. The exploration of trauma on POC bodies is very intriguing, and leans into the complexities of the subject.

    A beautiful, heartfelt, and enrapturing narrative about two timelines that are connected through the art of tattooing. Anamaria Guerzon highlights the historical and modern significance of tattooing, and weaves in personal stories and complicated relationships masterfully. The exploration of trauma on POC bodies is very intriguing, and leans into the complexities of the subject.

    ”
View all 9 recommendations

Character Information

  • Jeoly
    Young man. If he lived in modern America, he’d probably skateboard everywhere. Filipino. (He/They)
    20
    Filipino American
    male / non-binary
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male,
      Non-binary
  • Carl
    Grew up in a trailer park, was always friends with white men.
    But may be changing. Older. White. (He/Him)
    (Doubled with WILLIAM.)
    40-50's
    White
    a man
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • William
    Ultimate White Savior Gaslighter.
    Also sails, as a hobby. White. (He/Him)
    (Doubled with CARL.)
    30-50
    White
    a man
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Doug
    Has a past. Wants to be better.. White. (He/Him)
    22
    White
    a man
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Mr. Moody
    Run-of-the-Mill-Slave-Trader
    An asshole, plain and simple. White. (He/Him)
    (Doubled with DOUG.)
    22
    White
    a man
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Mother
    The kind of mom who lets her kids drink at home so they’ll stay safe. Filipina. (She/They)
    40-50's
    Filipina
    Female / Non-binary
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Zora
    Recent art-school dropout. Aspiring tattoo artist. Filipinx. (She/They). 24 years old.
    24
    Filipina-American
    Female / Non-binary
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Judy
    Pulls you in like a gravitational force. Black. (She/They). 30 years old.
    30
    African / African American / Black
    Female / Non-binary
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary

Development History

Awards

  • Ashland New Play Festival
    Semi-Finalist
    2024