Una Me Da Leche by Cassie M. Seinuk

FULL LENGTH - Sent by her dying mother, Gabi, a young Jewish Latina, finds herself at a dusty storage unit in New Mexico, face to face with her half-brother Manuel, a tattooed junkie who is a devote worshipper of Santa Muerte, Our Lady of Death. Gabi must convince Manuel to come with her before their mother dies, but Manuel is determined to surrender to sure death himself as he waits for El Hombre, his assassin...
FULL LENGTH - Sent by her dying mother, Gabi, a young Jewish Latina, finds herself at a dusty storage unit in New Mexico, face to face with her half-brother Manuel, a tattooed junkie who is a devote worshipper of Santa Muerte, Our Lady of Death. Gabi must convince Manuel to come with her before their mother dies, but Manuel is determined to surrender to sure death himself as he waits for El Hombre, his assassin, to arrive. Now, Gabi must not only save her brother, but also face her own demons as the two struggle with questions of faith, love, and the lengths one goes for family.
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Una Me Da Leche

Recommended by

  • Nick Malakhow:
    22 Mar. 2020
    “ Wow! What a propulsively-paced, compelling piece led by two incredibly dynamic and fully-realized characters. The play begins with a startling and theatrical diptych of worship which serves as the perfect spring board to the journey Gabi and Manuel undergo. Seinuk explores trauma and its after-effects, faith and its identity-shaping power, and family with great nuance and depth. The particular identity intersections of the central characters lend complexity, heft, and specificity to these very universal themes and ideas. The twists and turns were consistently surprising and never gimmicky. I'd love to see this powerful play on its feet! ”
  • Asher Wyndham:
    4 Feb. 2018
    “ Along with the script's startling revelations, the development of Gabi and Manuel's relationship from strangers to siblings has perfect pacing - emotionally satisfying until the violent showdown with the assassin El Hombre. If you're looking for an unexpected brother-sister play or US/Mexico border drama, if you're interested in plays on faith and family, then check this out. Should be easy to produce given its single setting. ”

Character Information

Playwright is open to making changes to the character El Hombre to make him female.

  • Gabi
    late 20s,
    Latinx, Jewish, half Latina
    ,
    Female
    ethnically ambiguous leaning towards Latinx looking, but with lighter skin. She is tough and a bit plucky, but can easily get herself in over her head.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic, White
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Manuel
    late 30s,
    Mexican, Latino
    ,
    Male
    Mexican or of Mexican heritage. He’s covered in tattoos, and rarely washes his clothes. He is slight, possibly very tall. He has a few noticeable scars on his body, and struggles with addiction. He prides himself on his faith and strong sense of his identity, even if he knows deep down he has doubts.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American, Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • El Hombre
    20s-30s,
    Mexican, South American, Latino
    ,
    Male
    Must have a Mexican accent. He is strong and tough and one of those people that when you see them, you know not to mess. He is a believer with no questions asked.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American, Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Gender: 
      Male

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Boston Conservatory at Berklee
    ,
    2021
  • Reading
    ,
    The Boston Center for the Arts
    ,
    2019

Awards

Honorable Mention
,
The Granite State Playwrights’ Workshop
,
Working Title Productions
,
2017