The Re-Education of Fernando Morales by Justin P. Lopez

When young Fernando Morales is sent away to a gay conversion camp, he becomes split between the past, present, and future. Surrounded by flashes of electricity and the steady drone of Mozart's Requiem in D Minor, he searches through time for some way to save himself. Will he succeed, or is the Requiem for him?
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The Re-Education of Fernando Morales

Recommended by

  • David Davila:
    26 Mar. 2022
    “ This is a gripping play that truly broke my heart. Just when you think you understand what is happening in this non-linear ache of a memory - Lopez twists your expectations in unexpected ways. This play truly haunts me. ”
  • The PlayGround Experiment:
    1 Feb. 2022
    “ This play took part in "The PG Evolution a development process". We selected it because it is special and we believe 100% in the playwright and their voice. We are proud to be a part of its early journey and cannot recommend it enough. If you have any questions about our experience with this work, please feel free to reach out to us. We love this play and we know you will too. ” ”
  • Juan Ramirez, Jr.:
    23 May. 2021
    “ As a National Committee Reader for the Bay Area Playwrights Festival, I was introduced to this powerful work and was immediately captured by the character of Fernando, along with the world he survives and suffers in. The structure of the play is intriguing, as the audience will move through time and genre, exploring elements of sci-fi and magical realism. The projected visceral visuals are sure to provoke emotion. This is truly a wonderful play. ”
View all 5 recommendations

FERNANDO MORALES - 13, male, Latino - Optimistic, charismatic young boy
ADULT FERNANDO - 30s, male, Latino - Guarded, deeply traumatized
CAMERON - 30s, male, white - Fernando’s partner; an altruist, endearing
TANNER - 13, male, white - Timid and alert, paired with Fernando
BETH - Late 30s, female, non-Latina - Fernando’s mother; kind, with a hidden strength
CARLOS - Early 40s, male, Latino - Fernando’s father, unyielding and exacting
DOCTOR MARKS - 50s, male, white - Tortured, unstable religious fundamentalist?
REGIMENT WORKERS - Two of the Doctor’s adherents; not very bright

The Regiment Workers are played by the actors who play Beth and Carlos.

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Ross Valley Players, Ross, CA
    ,
    2021
  • Workshop
    ,
    Custom Made Theatre Company, San Francisco
    ,
    2021
  • Reading
    ,
    The Playground Experiment, New York
    ,
    2020
  • Reading
    ,
    Permafrost Theatre Collective, New York
    ,
    2020

Awards

Honorable Mention
,
Epiphanies New Works Festival
,
2022
Finalist
,
Bay Area Playwrights Festival
,
2021
Finalist
,
Milagro Theatre Ingenio Festival
,
2020