Ashes Of Light

by Marco Antonio Rodriguez

Over the course of two evenings mother and son, two estranged generations of Dominicans living in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York, attempt to rekindle the love and appreciation for each other and their roots; but unexpectedly revealed intimate and taboo secrets threaten to destroy an already thin bond.

Over the course of two evenings mother and son, two estranged generations of Dominicans living in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York, attempt to rekindle the love and appreciation for each other and their roots; but unexpectedly revealed intimate and taboo secrets threaten to destroy an already thin bond.

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Ashes Of Light

Recommended by

  • Rachel Greene: Ashes Of Light

    MonologueBank is thrilled to recommend the writing of Marco Antonio Rodriguez. ASHES OF LIGHT is a well-wrought portrait of a family in crisis. Standout monologues include JULIO CESAR's surprising moment of self-discovery at a funeral and DIVINA's explosive explanation of the demise of her marriage. Each of the family members in the play carries with them the weight of secrets and history which shaped their perceptions of the world, and of each other. The characters are all fully realized and have their own distinctive voices. This is a beautiful example of a family drama that has never been...

    MonologueBank is thrilled to recommend the writing of Marco Antonio Rodriguez. ASHES OF LIGHT is a well-wrought portrait of a family in crisis. Standout monologues include JULIO CESAR's surprising moment of self-discovery at a funeral and DIVINA's explosive explanation of the demise of her marriage. Each of the family members in the play carries with them the weight of secrets and history which shaped their perceptions of the world, and of each other. The characters are all fully realized and have their own distinctive voices. This is a beautiful example of a family drama that has never been written before.

  • Nelson Diaz-Marcano: Ashes Of Light

    I was lucky enough to catch a production of this play recently and wow! Rodriguez has an ease capturing the heart of the culture, while managing to tell a universal story of love lost between mother and son, creating in the end a powerhouse work that is as funny as it is heartbreaking.

    I was lucky enough to catch a production of this play recently and wow! Rodriguez has an ease capturing the heart of the culture, while managing to tell a universal story of love lost between mother and son, creating in the end a powerhouse work that is as funny as it is heartbreaking.

  • Guadalís Del Carmen: Ashes Of Light

    Heartbreaking as it is beautiful, this story hits you right in the feels as well as tickles all the funny bones. This is a great play for actors to really sink their teeth into. All the characters are fully realized and give audiences much to chew on. It's rare to see dynamic Dominican stories on stage, and Marco does not disappoint in his storytelling.

    Heartbreaking as it is beautiful, this story hits you right in the feels as well as tickles all the funny bones. This is a great play for actors to really sink their teeth into. All the characters are fully realized and give audiences much to chew on. It's rare to see dynamic Dominican stories on stage, and Marco does not disappoint in his storytelling.

Character Information

  • DIVINA MARGARITA CRUZ
    Slightly older sister to Luz. Her energy transmits a young spirit, bohemian… full of travels and adventures. She is the complete opposite to Luz.
    Character Age
    40's or 50's
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Latinx
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • LYDIA
    Lives in the building directly across from Luz. Has been her “window neighbor” for many years. She is Mexican.
    Character Age
    50's-60's
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Latinx
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • LUCECITA ORTENSIA CRUZ, "LUZ"
    Very conservative. Born in the Dominican Republic but has spent most of her adult life in New York City.
    Character Age
    40's or 50's
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Latinx
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • JULIO CESAR NINO CRUZ
    Only son to Luz. Somewhat quiet and reserved. Born and raised in New York City. Left to pursue his university studies and has rarely returned home.
    Character Age
    20's to early 30's
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Latinx
    Character Gender Identity
    Male

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization PREGONES Theater, Year 2011
  • Type Reading, Organization Teatro LATEA, Year 2010

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization Theater On The Lake, Chicago, Year 2018
  • Type Professional, Organization Urban Theater Company, Year 2018
  • Type Professional, Organization West End Performing Arts Center , Year 2018
  • Type University, Organization Atlanta Metropolitan College, Year 2018
  • Type Professional, Organization Urban Theater Company, Year 2017
  • Type Professional, Organization Comisionado Dominicano De Cultura (Dominican Commission Of Culture in the United States), Year 2016
  • Type Professional, Organization Teatro La Mueca, Buenos Aires, Year 2016
  • Type Professional, Organization Raíces Theater Company, Year 2014
  • Type Professional, Organization Teatro Las Mascaras, Year 2013
  • Type University, Organization York College Performing Arts Department, Year 2012
  • Type Professional, Organization Teatro LATEA, Year 2011

Awards

  • Outstanding Achievement In Playwriting
    Hispanic Organization Of Latin Actors (HOLA)
    Winner
    2012
  • Best Play
    SOBERANO, Dominican Republic
    Winner
    2014