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.

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

  • Rachel Greene: Barceló On The Rocks by Marco Antonio Rodriguez
    “

    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.

    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: Barceló On The Rocks by Marco Antonio Rodriguez
    “

    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!

    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: Barceló On The Rocks by Marco Antonio Rodriguez
    “

    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!

    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
    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.
    40's or 50's
    Latinx
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • SERGIO ANTONIO NINO ORTÍZ
    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.
    Early to mid 20's
    Latinx
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • DENNIS ORTÍZ
    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.
    Early to mid 20's
    Latinx
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • AURELIO ANTONIO ORTIZ (Fello. Pronounced FeJo)
    Nino's older brother. Rebellious and stubborn. He has received a formal college education.
    Mid 20's to early 30's
    Latinx
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • DR. JOAQUIN ANTONIO BALAGUER RICARDO
    President of the Dominican Republic on various occasions.
    50's-60's
    Latinx
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • JASTON MARCELIN
    Haitian man. Charming and handsome. Has spent most of his life in Juan Lopez, Dominican Republic.
    Mid 20's to early 30's
    Afro-Latinx
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      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

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