←Recommendations of El Yunque in English

When a hurricane brings the hammer down hard on “the anvil,” and Pedro has exhausted all other options, he scales the heights of the famous rainforest in search of an alien for help. He wants to believe so desperately in this higher power (is it an alien, his God, his government?) but it appears to ignore his pleas. The play’s endearing resolution gives us hope that Pedro and islanders like him won’t be written off as merely “junk” to be ignored. A wonderful piece of work.

Diaz-Marcano's gorgeous dialogue and deep characterization creates a perfectly imperfect world. In this scene nestled inside the devastation brought on by hurricane Maria, the writer explores heavy themes without being ham-fisted or obvious. Love the way the language slips effortlessly between English and Spanish and the way the audience is gently invited into the warmth and heartbreak. Stunning, poetical monologues rise out of this work. What a gem.

Asking an anonymous alien for a favor is the stuff of comedy. But the asking, more like begging, and the frustration and anger that comes along with that, makes you think about every Puerto Rican's difficult relationship with the U.S. Government. Or makes you think about a minority's attempt at salvation - for a return to normalcy, for power - from somewhere else, not God or country. With this play, Diaz-Marcano continues his multi-play project on the Puerto Rico post-Hurricane Maria with an imaginative leap into the comic sphere with a charming character that's rightfully angry but hopeful.

Pedro's perpetual state of discovery is so charming, so funny, and so spirited, this play is itself rather spiritual and holy; the character is inspiring, but in an awkward kind of way. It's a very clever aesthetic on Diaz-Marcano's part. I never read a play that took place in El Yunque, let alone one that respected its magesty, that made me yearn for its magical nature; and anyone familiar with Arecibo will know, if not appreciate, where this wonderful character is coming from. This monologue's pieces come together and add up to something every bit as beautiful as the whole.