¡Mamágua! by jose sebastian alberdi

When Martín comes out to his mother, la señora Doña Marina goes to extreme lengths to make sure that her son keeps it a secret with the help of La Virgen, Diosito, and a priest. But when Marina realizes she might have acted a bit too impulsively, she has to—again—go to extreme lengths to make everything right. Unfortunately, Martín and his new otherworldly boyfriend are anything but forgiving. A sort-of insane...
When Martín comes out to his mother, la señora Doña Marina goes to extreme lengths to make sure that her son keeps it a secret with the help of La Virgen, Diosito, and a priest. But when Marina realizes she might have acted a bit too impulsively, she has to—again—go to extreme lengths to make everything right. Unfortunately, Martín and his new otherworldly boyfriend are anything but forgiving. A sort-of insane play about love, revenge, and continuously forgiving those who have hurt our hearts.
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¡Mamágua!

Recommended by

  • Alexander Burdette:
    28 Jun. 2022
    “ This play is about true and traumatic things, but the rules of the world and the characters in it are such that one can see the individual pieces and how they fit together into a larger whole. I love the way this play interacts with pain. alberdi couches concepts that might otherwise be too painful to look at in such style and character relationships that the play and the audience are able to examine them closely. ”
  • Shaun Leisher:
    15 Jul. 2021
    “ A horror comedy with a good bit of religious fanaticism. There is so much to reflect and ponder on here and be uncomfortable about but I love that it ends with so much joy!!! ”
  • John J King:
    13 Mar. 2020
    “ I truly loved reading this play, which flips the coming-out-story on it's head and then hits that head with a giant gilded crucifix. Hilarious, terrifying, mystical and madcap. The play is also theatrical in delightfully simple and surprising ways - the story and the storytelling are chock full of secrets that keep unfolding until the end. Read it, produce it, watch it! ”
View all 10 recommendations

Character Information

All actors should be able to speak Spanish fluently, or without an American accent.
One actor plays Padre Mateo, El Cucuy, and Jesús Cristo—this is not optional.

  • Doña Marina
    A Mexican woman, fiercely Catholic, not naïve just believes strongly in
    her faith and her own worldview. Mother to Martín, mid 40s to early 50s.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Martín
    A Mexican man, queer & closeted (for now). Loves his mother and
    wouldn’t hurt a fly—but would 100% push its buttons hard. Early 20s.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Diosito
    The Catholic god. Humorless and matter of fact about it all. A little bit
    scattered, but who can blame them, they have a big world to watch over.
    This role should never be played by a cis man.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any adult age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any actor of color
    • Gender: 
      Any gender
  • El Cucuy
    The fabled boogeyman of Spanish-speaking countries. In this play, he is a
    sexual, selfish being who is great at getting exactly what he wants.
    Also plays Padre Mateo & Jesús Cristo.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any actor of color
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Padre Mateo
    The local priest. Very good at telling people what to do and is not above
    pettiness or any other venial sins. He thinks he is very funny and smart.
    Also plays El Cucuy & Jesús Cristo.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any actor of color
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Jesús Cristo
    The son of Diosito himself. A dom daddy legend who's the ultimate wino.
    Also plays El Cucuy & Padre Mateo.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any actor of color
    • Gender: 
      Male

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Campfire Theatre Festival
    ,
    2019
  • Reading
    ,
    Fresh Ink Theatre
    ,
    2019
  • Workshop
    ,
    Fresh Ink Theatre
    ,
    2019
  • Residency
    ,
    Lambda Literary
    ,
    2018

Awards

Finalist
,
Many Voices Fellowship
,
The Playwright's Center
,
2020
Finalist
,
Ingenio Festival
,
Milagro
,
2020
Semi-Finalist
,
Scratchpad Series
,
The Playwright's Realm
,
2019
Semi-Finalist
,
Princess Grace Playwriting Fellowship
,
New Dramatists
,
2019