How Do You Say, Hola [10-minute]

by Art Por Diaz

When Dylan’s grandfather visits from Mexico, a simple “hola” becomes anything but simple. How Do You Say, Hola is a funny and heartfelt look at language, identity, and what gets lost in translation between generations.

When Dylan’s grandfather visits from Mexico, a simple “hola” becomes anything but simple. How Do You Say, Hola is a funny and heartfelt look at language, identity, and what gets lost in translation between generations.

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How Do You Say, Hola [10-minute]

Recommended by

  • Danielle Wirsansky: How Do You Say, Hola [10-minute] by Art Por Diaz
    “

    How Do You Say, Hola beautifully explores family, language, and cultural identity with emotional depth. The mix of English and Spanish adds layers to the narrative, highlighting generational disconnects and the power of communication. Thought-provoking and poignant, a must-read for anyone exploring immigrant experiences.

    How Do You Say, Hola beautifully explores family, language, and cultural identity with emotional depth. The mix of English and Spanish adds layers to the narrative, highlighting generational disconnects and the power of communication. Thought-provoking and poignant, a must-read for anyone exploring immigrant experiences.

    ”
  • Lindsay Partain: How Do You Say, Hola [10-minute] by Art Por Diaz
    “

    A rich, thoughtful piece about family, language, and the walls we build around ourselves. --The extra layer that this piece gives is my own reliance to a translator-- I know some but not much and when it came time for that beautiful monologue at the end I was blown away and left a little sad knowing that I was no better than the ignorant grandchild portrayed in HOW DO YOU SAY, HOLA. Beautiful and tragic. Well done Art Por Diaz!

    A rich, thoughtful piece about family, language, and the walls we build around ourselves. --The extra layer that this piece gives is my own reliance to a translator-- I know some but not much and when it came time for that beautiful monologue at the end I was blown away and left a little sad knowing that I was no better than the ignorant grandchild portrayed in HOW DO YOU SAY, HOLA. Beautiful and tragic. Well done Art Por Diaz!

    ”
  • Rachel Bublitz: How Do You Say, Hola [10-minute] by Art Por Diaz
    “

    A powerful ten-minute about family, generations, identity, the culture we decide to hold on to, and the culture we decide to lose. The use of both English and Spanish is used to great effect, and the characters are drawn with such ease and clarity. HOLD DO YOU SAY, HOLA makes me excited to read more of Art Por Diaz's work.

    A powerful ten-minute about family, generations, identity, the culture we decide to hold on to, and the culture we decide to lose. The use of both English and Spanish is used to great effect, and the characters are drawn with such ease and clarity. HOLD DO YOU SAY, HOLA makes me excited to read more of Art Por Diaz's work.

    ”
View all 4 recommendations
Doubling: None
Casting flexibility: Latinx/Latine actors encouraged for all roles.

Characters:
DYLAN – Teenager or young adult. First-generation Mexican-American. Speaks limited Spanish. Resistant to his cultural roots, but not without curiosity.

SOPHIA – Dylan’s sister, close in age. Fluent in Spanish and comfortable navigating both cultures. Warm, sharp, and often caught in the role of translator and cultural bridge.

ABUELO – Dylan and Sophia’s grandfather. Visiting from Mexico. Poetic, witty, and deeply rooted in his cultural identity. Speaks only Spanish.

Notes:
Bilingual ability is essential for Sophia and Abuelo.
Dylan should be able to perform Spanish lines with intention, even if imperfectly (as written).
Accents and code-switching are welcome and can enhance authenticity.
Casting can be gender-inclusive depending on adaptation of family dynamics.

Production History

  • Community Theater, La Raza Latina, 2016