Barceló On The Rocks by Marco Antonio Rodriguez

Nino Antonio Ortiz — a man with an intriguing past and dark secrets — is confronted by hallucinations of late Dominican President Joaquín Balaguer. Transported between his youth in the island’s countryside and his old age in his Washington Heights home in New York, Nino must face the true origins of his bitterness before they destroy himself and his entire family.
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Barceló On The Rocks

Recommended by

  • MonologueBank.org:
    13 Apr. 2020
    “ MonologueBank ardently recommends the writing of Marco Antonio Rodriguez. BARCELÓ ON THE ROCKS is a drama that travels through time to tell the story of Nino, a man torn between his home country of the Dominican Republic and his current home in Washington Heights with his two sons. There are two standout monologues: NINO (speaking about his true love) and DENNIS (a stuttering, unfocused street thug trying to convince his brother to stick around.) The play is a heartbreaking tale of grief, lies, and the desire for a better life. ”
  • Nick Malakhow:
    22 Oct. 2019
    “ A beautiful play that wanders between the present and past. A piece rooted in effectively told history, "Barcelo..." also proves itself to be a compelling family drama that illustrates the intersecting lines between personal and political. Nino and his sons' fractured relationship is plausible and heartbreaking as we see Nino's history come to life, and the way they find themselves brought together in the end is poignant and well earned. Glad to see that this has been produced, and I hope to see a production some day! ”
  • David Hansen:
    27 Apr. 2018
    “ Rodriguez's tale is a memory play of the Dominican Republic, centering on one man who has betrayed as much as he has been betrayed. Caught between nations, abandoning his home and not yet embracing America, he burdens his sons with his shame, disappointment, and sadness. This script is rich and layered, a tension of regret and fear from the old country haunting the otherwise everyday setting of an apartment in Washington Heights. The final moments, of honesty, confession and acceptance, are a welcome release and promise hope for the future. Highly recommended! ”

Character Information

  • NINO ANTONIO ORTÍZ
    40's or 50's,
    Latinx
    ,
    Male
    Born and raised in the Cibao region known as Juan Lopez in the Dominican Republic. He has spent most of his life
    in New York.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • SERGIO ANTONIO NINO ORTÍZ
    Early to mid 20's,
    Latinx
    ,
    Male
    A little chubby. Reserved and somewhat distant. Carries the responsibility of most things in the home, even caring for Nino. Although he has received some college education, he maintains some of the Dominican-York dialect and urban street flavor in his speech patterns.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • DENNIS ORTÍZ
    Early to mid 20's,
    Latinx
    ,
    Male
    Younger brother to Sergio. Has a heavy stutter but is in no way shy. His energy is frantic and destructive but at the same time playful and loving. Irresponsible and sloppy. His passion is the streets.
    He speaks in a thick Dominican-York/urban dialect.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • DR. JOAQUIN ANTONIO BALAGUER RICARDO
    50's-60's,
    Latinx
    ,
    Male
    President of the Dominican Republic on various occasions.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      50s, 60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • JASTON MARCELIN
    Mid 20's to early 30's,
    Afro-Latinx
    ,
    Male
    Haitian man. Charming and handsome. Has spent most of his life in Juan Lopez, Dominican Republic.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • AURELIO ANTONIO ORTIZ (Fello. Pronounced FeJo)
    Mid 20's to early 30's,
    Latinx
    ,
    Male
    Nino's older brother. Rebellious and stubborn. He has received a formal college education.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Gender: 
      Male

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Raíces Theater Company
    ,
    2016
  • Reading
    ,
    Repertorio Español/Spanish Repertory
    ,
    2013

Production History

  • Professional
    ,
    Raíces Theater Company
    ,
    2018
  • Professional
    ,
    Repertorio Español/Spanish Repertory
    ,
    2015

Awards

Winner
,
Outstanding Achievement In Playwriting
,
Hispanic Organization Of Latin Actors (HOLA)
,
2014
Winner
,
Nuestras Voces International Competition
,
Repertorio Español
,
2013