the beautiful land i seek (la linda tierra que busco yo)

by Matt Barbot

In 1950, two would-be assassins board a train from New York to Washington, DC and discuss their plan to strike in the name of Puerto Rican independence. Well, they would be discussing it, that is, if it weren't for interruption after interruption, each time by figures out of art and history, reflections of what their country means to them and has meant to the United States. As the borders of their reality begin...

In 1950, two would-be assassins board a train from New York to Washington, DC and discuss their plan to strike in the name of Puerto Rican independence. Well, they would be discussing it, that is, if it weren't for interruption after interruption, each time by figures out of art and history, reflections of what their country means to them and has meant to the United States. As the borders of their reality begin to shift and their train chugs along, the two must finalize their plan, interpret what messages these strange visitors have for them, and decide how they want their sacrifice to be remembered.

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the beautiful land i seek (la linda tierra que busco yo)

Recommended by

  • Andy Boyd: the beautiful land i seek (la linda tierra que busco yo)

    A beautifully-realized tribute to some under-sung heroes of Puerto Rican resistance. There's a perfect marriage of form and function in this play, which examines both literal guns-and-bullets violence and the violence of racist representation, especially including on stage. To quote someone who makes a surprise appearance, who lives, who dies, who tells your story?

    A beautifully-realized tribute to some under-sung heroes of Puerto Rican resistance. There's a perfect marriage of form and function in this play, which examines both literal guns-and-bullets violence and the violence of racist representation, especially including on stage. To quote someone who makes a surprise appearance, who lives, who dies, who tells your story?

  • Emma Goldman-Sherman: the beautiful land i seek (la linda tierra que busco yo)

    Here is a stunningly theatrical play! Barbot makes the history of the fight for Puerto Rican independence so alive and palpably necessary while deconstructing stereotypes to provoke both hilarity and pathos in well-apportioned doses. Barbot writes to stir our emotions with fabulous roles for actors. He succeeds beautifully with this gorgeous work of art. A privilege to see or read.

    Here is a stunningly theatrical play! Barbot makes the history of the fight for Puerto Rican independence so alive and palpably necessary while deconstructing stereotypes to provoke both hilarity and pathos in well-apportioned doses. Barbot writes to stir our emotions with fabulous roles for actors. He succeeds beautifully with this gorgeous work of art. A privilege to see or read.

  • Conor McShane: the beautiful land i seek (la linda tierra que busco yo)

    A wildly theatrical piece that takes the whole history of colonialism in Puerto Rico, throws it in a blender, and serves it up with a metaphysical/metatheatrical twist. Sometimes these kinds of historical plays can feel a bit dry, but I appreciated the imagination and humor threaded throughout.

    A wildly theatrical piece that takes the whole history of colonialism in Puerto Rico, throws it in a blender, and serves it up with a metaphysical/metatheatrical twist. Sometimes these kinds of historical plays can feel a bit dry, but I appreciated the imagination and humor threaded throughout.

View all 6 recommendations

Character Information

The two Swing characters move swiftly between various characters.
  • Oscar
    A long devoted member of the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party (PNPR) currently operating out of New York City.
    Character Age
    Late 30's
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Puerto Rican
    Character Gender Identity
    he/him
  • Gris
    A newer member of the PNPR, also currently operating out of New York City.
    Character Age
    20's - 30's
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Puerto Rican
    Character Gender Identity
    he/him
  • Swing 1
    Switches rapidly between a multitude of historical personages.
    Character Age
    Any age
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Puerto Rican
    Character Gender Identity
    Any gender
  • Swing 2
    Switches rapidly between a multitude of historical personages.
    Character Age
    Any age
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Puerto Rican
    Character Gender Identity
    Any gender
  • The Writer
    Living in the year 2020, wearing a facemask, depressed and unable to write.
    Character Age
    30's
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Nuyorican
    Character Gender Identity
    he/him

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization New York Theatre Workshop, Year 2022
  • Type Reading, Organization Fault Line Theatre , Year 2022
  • Type Reading, Organization LatinX Playwrights Circle, Year 2021
  • Type Residency, Organization The Shelter NYC, Year 2020
  • Type Residency, Organization New York Theatre Workshop, Year 2019

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization Pregones/PRTT, Year 2024
  • Type Workshop, Organization Fault Line Theatre, Year 2023

Awards

  • Princess Grace Award in Playwriting
    The Princess Grace Foundation
    Semi-Finalist
    2023