This Good Island

by Emily Rodríguez

This Good Island is a biographical play spanning the 1920s-50s, depicting the events of Puerto Rico’s independence movement and its ultimate suppression by the United States. It is a story of David versus Goliath, ripe with romance, friendship, and familial betrayal. The two prominent figures of the time spar, narrating the causes of Puerto Rico’s current colonial status, which they believe to be in opposition...

This Good Island is a biographical play spanning the 1920s-50s, depicting the events of Puerto Rico’s independence movement and its ultimate suppression by the United States. It is a story of David versus Goliath, ripe with romance, friendship, and familial betrayal. The two prominent figures of the time spar, narrating the causes of Puerto Rico’s current colonial status, which they believe to be in opposition.
Content Warnings: Substance abuse, forced sterilization, police and military violence, hate crimes, and torture

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This Good Island

Pedro Albizu Campos: Man, Puerto Rican, to play ages 20s-50s. A man of integrity from humble means. Determined. Married to Laura. A father.
Luis Muñoz Marín: Man, Puerto Rican that grew up in the States, to play ages 20s-50s. Charming. A born politician. Married to Muna. Addicted to alcohol and opium. A father, though he often forgets he is.
Laura Meneses: Woman, Peruvian, to play 20s - 50s. An advocate. Dignified. Graceful. Married to Pedro. A mother.
Blanca Canales: Woman, Puerto Rican, 30s. Strong-willed. A visionary. Was forcibly sterilized by the US government.
Muna Lee: Woman, white, 20s. From Mississippi and speaks with a Southern accent. Strong sense of righteousness. Married to Luis. A mother.
Vidal Santiago Díaz: Man, Puerto Rican, late 20s. A helper. Quietly courageous.
Doris Torresola (actor also plays Polly): Woman, Puerto Rican, 20s. Gentle yet ambitious. A university student. Blanca’s cousin. In love with Carmen.
Carmen Peréz (actor also plays La Panadera and Amalia): Woman, Puerto Rican, 20s. Fiery. Quick to jump into action. A university student. In love with Doris.
Faustino Díaz Pacheco (actor also plays El Panadero): Man, Puerto Rican, late 20s. Insecure. Frenetic. Like a bomb ready to go off. Raimundo’s older brother by four years.
Raimundo Díaz Pacheco (actor also plays Vidal’s Father): Man, Puerto Rican, mid 20s. Self-possessed. Passionate. Faustino’s younger brother by four years.

Ensemble (of 4 or more) to Play
José / Prisoner / Lieutenant / Bibí / Cadet: Latino/e
Alvaro / Giovanni / Griselio / Luisito: Latino/e, actor should be youthful, and small in stature
William Faulkner / E. Francis Riggs / FBI Agent / Police Intercom: Actor should be white or white passing
French Club Member/ Dr. Cornelius Rhoads / J. Edgar Hoover / Guard: Actor should be white or white passing
La Panadera / Amalia / Health Inspector / Radio / Reporter: Latina/e

Development History

  • Reading, Mountview Academy of the Theatre Arts, 2024

Production History

  • Professional, HighRise Theatre, London, 2025

Awards

  • Emily Oulton Prize
    Mountview
    Winner
    2024