Cheryl Bear:
27 Sep. 2021
“
A tragic and unforgettable look at what can happen when everything is lost including hope as you feel forgotten. Well done. ”
Recommendations
Recommendations
- Doug DeVita:24 Oct. 2020“ The anger, frustration, and passion that bubbles through Nelson Diaz-Marcano's best work is on almost-uncontrolled display in this piece; it's a disquieting, provocative work, and among his best. Tight and tense, Diaz-Marcano aims at the root problems of contrasting cultures in this country and pulls the trigger with shattering, heart-breaking precision. It's a thrilling work deserving of numerous productions. ”
- Alexander Perez:23 Oct. 2020“ A heartbreaking and humbling account of what happens when those who have lost everything are forgotten.
When your back’s against the wall even the most misguided ideas can seem like miracle cures. And in those moments of abject desperation what could possibly stand between you and ruin? Would it be enough?
Striking, poignant, and most terrifyingly so, prophetic. ” - Donna Hoke:14 Apr. 2020“ "Nostalgically, he loves her." I am going to remember this stage direction forever. This play reminds me of the 'night, Mother standoff, but with further reaching political and personal ramifications. A one-act festival standout. ”
- Jennifer O'Grady:25 Apr. 2019“ Wow, what a play--skillful and fearless and emotionally powerful. A perfect example of how theater can open our eyes and compel us to respond to realities many of us would rather not think about. I'm in awe of this play (and playwright!). ”
- J.Lois Diamond:4 Jan. 2019“ This play jumps and soars off the page, full of passion and fury. Heart breaking yet full of warmth and humor. Diaz-Marcano has a unique voice, which is confident, playful and daring. I can't wait to see this produced. ”
- Larry Rinkel:15 Dec. 2018“ Inexorably powerful and gripping. In the wake of Hurricane Maria and the hell on earth that is now Puerto Rico, cousins Mariel and Toño are locked in a stalemate where she tries to prevent him from committing mass murder to call attention to the neglected island's suffering. They resolve it by playing a kids' game with the result that Toño kills himself, and Mariel is left to wipe up his blood with the "paper towels" that were Donald Trump's horrifically insufficient response to the crisis. ”
- Franky D. Gonzalez:20 Apr. 2018“ "I am empty of words which is why I’m holding this big ass weapon."
These words to the heart of a problem that we must reckon with as a country. The catalyst for this play and the situation may have been Hurricane Maria, but the build up is centuries old. Diaz-Marcano creates a play that goes beyond the political and touches the deeply human. At its center is love. A wounded love, but love nevertheless. It's the lashing out of the desperate and suffering. A marvelous play that bears reading and discussion, no matter how uncomfortable that conversation. ” - C. Julian Jiménez:21 Mar. 2018“ This play takes off from the jump and then soars. It felt as if I was reading for only 5 minutes and then it was over. The pace and skill of the dialogue is so good. An explosive two-hander that is extremely important right now. Puerto Rico 4Eva. ”
- Micki Shelton:21 Mar. 2018“ Wow! Everything about this play is perfect, and the way it weaves together and responds to the issues of gun control, racism, war, twisted truth, and Hurricane Maria (both actual and metaphorical) and its effect on the people of Puerto Rico is astonishing. Diaz-Mariano's dialogue carries the story along so you can't stop reading. I agree with Rachael, "this play is a freight train." It's the kind of play that encourages me to improve so I can write a play as good as this. "Paper Towels" needs to be produced and now! ”