i didn't make this

by jose sebastian alberdi

Alejandra has finally secured a spot in Green Street Studio's emerging dancer development program, Teeny Beans. But so has Virginia. And her best friend Bernardo didn't get a spot. And Alejandra's finally performing something directly connected to her Mexican roots, but why does she feel like such a phony? A play & performance about what it’s like navigating the arts scene in Boston as a Mexican-American artist...

Alejandra has finally secured a spot in Green Street Studio's emerging dancer development program, Teeny Beans. But so has Virginia. And her best friend Bernardo didn't get a spot. And Alejandra's finally performing something directly connected to her Mexican roots, but why does she feel like such a phony? A play & performance about what it’s like navigating the arts scene in Boston as a Mexican-American artist, the competition inherent to artist "communities", and general immigrant family diaspora feelings.

Originally commissioned and developed through the SpeakEasy Stage Company Boston Project.

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i didn't make this

Recommended by

  • Alicia Margarita Olivo: i didn't make this

    An exhilarating, hilarious, and loving tribute to being a Mexican artist in the city of Boston. alberdi deftly showcases how predominantly white institutions put us through the wringer, mangling us into something unrecognizable to our own selves, and our desperate journeys in making ourselves right once more. i didn't make this has some of the most uncannily recognizable characters I've read; regardless of who you are, you will see yourself refracted in each person onstage. Gorgeous. I hope to see it onstage, in person someday.

    An exhilarating, hilarious, and loving tribute to being a Mexican artist in the city of Boston. alberdi deftly showcases how predominantly white institutions put us through the wringer, mangling us into something unrecognizable to our own selves, and our desperate journeys in making ourselves right once more. i didn't make this has some of the most uncannily recognizable characters I've read; regardless of who you are, you will see yourself refracted in each person onstage. Gorgeous. I hope to see it onstage, in person someday.

  • Shaun Leisher: i didn't make this

    I really appreciated the specificity of this play. Love how it is unapologetically about Boston and the struggles the city is going through. This is a fascinating look not just about gentrification but about the artistic process and how BIPOC artists are forced to market themselves in not always the most authentic ways. A great ensemble piece for dancer/actors.

    I really appreciated the specificity of this play. Love how it is unapologetically about Boston and the struggles the city is going through. This is a fascinating look not just about gentrification but about the artistic process and how BIPOC artists are forced to market themselves in not always the most authentic ways. A great ensemble piece for dancer/actors.

  • Nick Malakhow: i didn't make this

    As a queer, multi-racial artist currently based in Boston, I found oh so much to relate to and resonate with here. Even beyond that very specific experience, anyone who reads this will gain important insights into the intersection of identity and art. To be specific--the complexities of feeling like you are commodifying and coopting your own identity to market yourself as an artist to a market that, ultimately, doesn't value what you truly have to give. The conversations in this play are necessary. The satire was funny and gentle. The inclusion of dance is an exciting opportunity.

    As a queer, multi-racial artist currently based in Boston, I found oh so much to relate to and resonate with here. Even beyond that very specific experience, anyone who reads this will gain important insights into the intersection of identity and art. To be specific--the complexities of feeling like you are commodifying and coopting your own identity to market yourself as an artist to a market that, ultimately, doesn't value what you truly have to give. The conversations in this play are necessary. The satire was funny and gentle. The inclusion of dance is an exciting opportunity.

Character Information

  • Rose
    Character Age
    19
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Chinese American
    Character Gender Identity
    a woman
  • Daniel
    Character Age
    26
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Haitian-American
    Character Gender Identity
    a man
  • Virginia
    Character Age
    26
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    a woman
  • Milo
    Character Age
    27
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    a man
  • Alejandra
    Character Age
    25
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Mexican-American
    Character Gender Identity
    a woman
  • Bernardo
    Character Age
    25-26
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Mexican-American
    Character Gender Identity
    a man

Development History

  • Type Commission, Organization SpeakEasy Stage Company, Year 2020