←Recommendations of Even Flowers Bloom in Hell, Sometimes

This play is a work of beauty and heart that's also a scathing indictment of the prison industrial complex in America.
Gonzalez manages to make many insightful points about poverty, the imbalances of capitalism, and the prison cycle without being pedantic or cloying. The play's about family, it's a love letter to theater, and it's a meditation on the meaning of time. This is a compelling, sprawling, and fast-moving play. It’s many things simultaneously that shouldn’t work together, but in Gonzalez's hands, they do.

I absolutely adore this play. EFBiHS beautifully showcases lives affected by the American prison system. This gut-wrenching, immersive play is both difficult and heart-warming; distressing and hopeful. The play's characters and their experiences are as nuanced as the prison system they exist within. Truly a wonderful script.

Simply incredible! The immersive structure of this play gives an unique introspection on the adversities, and complexities of life in the prison system, and how it affects ones relationships outside of it. Full of touching and heart-wrenching moments, Gonzalez also introduces philosophical concepts from referenced texts, and morphs them into thought provoking conversations by the characters. It shows that in times of desperate contemplation and survival, the influence of others ideas can potentially determine your outlook on life. Whether its moral worth, social acceptance, or a victim of politics, this play transcends into something more. The power of hope.

I am haunted by this beautiful work that gives voice and humanity to those who have that stripped away due to the cycle of incarceration. This piece was both theatrical in its structure--transitions, lyrical poetry paired with naturalism--and in its references to theatrical texts and the nature of theater itself. I found myself coming away with a newfound appreciation for some of the texts referenced that never so clearly resonated as they did in this context. All along the way, Gonzalez renders a large cast of nuanced and impactful characters. I hope to see this produced far and wide!

A stunning work of art. Moving, haunting, and exceptionally compelling, Franky Gonzalez' "Even Flowers Bloom in Hell, Sometimes" is both a gut-punch and a reaction to systemic racism – in and out of prison – that provokes not only rage, but truly earned tears of compassion. Beautifully done. Harsh, but beautiful.

I don't have enough praise for Gonzalez's "Even Flowers Bloom in Hell, Sometimes." Crafted with absolute care, it has one of the most unique structures I've seen in a script, along with an eclectic blend of art-forms. Gonzalez's didactic piece shows you the lives of these well-rounded characters, and how a little light can encourage one's growth. I am in awe by your writing, Franky. I can't wait to check out more of your work!

EVEN FLOWERS BLOOM IN HELL, SOMETIMES is that rare play that manages to weave poetry into a play whose carefully designed journey is a master class in structure. Each of this play’s characters are carefully drawn, fully lived-in people from a population that society would prefer to not acknowledge. Their authenticity allows Gonzalez to fill their voices with the questions we all yearn to ask. The resulting mix of music, musings and maddening events is sheer magic. EVEN FLOWERS BLOOM IN HELL, SOMETIMES needs to bloom on someone’s stages. Now.

I read this over a year ago, and thought I wrote a recommendation but I guess I didn't! But it's just as well because this draft is stronger, tighter, and perfectly nails the ending. Franky breaks down the system in the most unrelenting ways and with a gift for dialogue, but I particularly like the way he infuses art every step of the way--from structure to a means of survival. Deserving of all its accolades!

It’s true. Beauty can be found in the most unexpected places. Franky Gonzalez has a unique gift in helping us to find it in a correctional facility. Within just a few pages, I found myself fully invested in the journey of Prisoner #36664053. And while much of it isn’t pretty, there are glimmers of hope, and growth, and self-discovery. The story is gritty- making us look hard at racism, white privilege, and the injustices of the justice system. But there is salvation coming. Even if it comes at the highest cost. An extraordinary work that deserves your attention.

"Even Flowers Bloom in Hell, Sometimes" is a vivid, beautiful play that presents the lives of prisoners in a way that is honest and new. There are moments of unfathomable heartbreak and moments of profound joy. Each character is revealed to the fullest, most poetic extent of their humanity. There is also an incredibly beautiful queer storyline that absolutely, brilliantly shatters the ubiquitous tropes in media of sexuality in prison. Gonzalez has a big heart that beats on every page.