Calling Puerto Rico

by Juan Ramirez, Jr.

In New York City, Joel is an amatuer radio operator who has not been out of his attic apartment for about a year. He gets news about Tropical Storm Maria and the potential it has to harm Puerto Rico. Worried, he decides to reach out over the radio to a man he hasn’t spoken to in a long time, his grandfather, Aníbal.

In New York City, Joel is an amatuer radio operator who has not been out of his attic apartment for about a year. He gets news about Tropical Storm Maria and the potential it has to harm Puerto Rico. Worried, he decides to reach out over the radio to a man he hasn’t spoken to in a long time, his grandfather, Aníbal.

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Calling Puerto Rico

Recommended by

  • Rachel Feeny-Williams: Calling Puerto Rico

    I am truly gutted that I never got to see this play Iive as reading it alone was an emotional experience. Juan has created a truly wonderful and multi-layered character in Joel and we, as an audience are privileged to look into his world that has been tarnished by disaster and watch as he reaches out to others and connects people. Its a play that will tug at the heart strings and you can't help but keep reading as the story is presented in a way where you NEED to know how it unfolds. No wonder its had great success!

    I am truly gutted that I never got to see this play Iive as reading it alone was an emotional experience. Juan has created a truly wonderful and multi-layered character in Joel and we, as an audience are privileged to look into his world that has been tarnished by disaster and watch as he reaches out to others and connects people. Its a play that will tug at the heart strings and you can't help but keep reading as the story is presented in a way where you NEED to know how it unfolds. No wonder its had great success!

  • T. M. Gadomski: Calling Puerto Rico

    I was lucky enough to see this live at Seven Angels in CT. It was a magical experience. Such a true to life telling of the tragedy that befell PR. It touched on personal lives as well as the overarching issues that effect Puerto Ricans and the governments regulations that put the residents more at risk. I laughed, cried, and sat with bated breath. For me, the hardest and my favorite part, was when all three storylines are calling for help. Produce this again and again. Trust me.

    I was lucky enough to see this live at Seven Angels in CT. It was a magical experience. Such a true to life telling of the tragedy that befell PR. It touched on personal lives as well as the overarching issues that effect Puerto Ricans and the governments regulations that put the residents more at risk. I laughed, cried, and sat with bated breath. For me, the hardest and my favorite part, was when all three storylines are calling for help. Produce this again and again. Trust me.

  • Daniel Repp: Calling Puerto Rico

    The depiction of Hurricane Maria and its aftermath is intense and heartbreaking. From NYC to PR to ISS, this play will take you on a powerful journey.

    The depiction of Hurricane Maria and its aftermath is intense and heartbreaking. From NYC to PR to ISS, this play will take you on a powerful journey.

View all 11 recommendations

Character Information

  • Aníbal
    Joel's grandfather. Ex-military ham radio operator living in Puerto Rico. He believes Hurricane Maria is going to take him.
    Character Age
    60s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Puerto Rican heritage
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Rolán
    Aníbal's bad neighbor. Caring for Anībal, he desperately takes over ham radio duties to do anything he can to get someone to rescue them.
    Character Age
    40's - 60's
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Puerto Rican heritage
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Debra
    An astronaut aboard the ISS, she misses her family and uses the ham radio to contact people, specifically Joel.
    Character Age
    30s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Joel
    A ham radio operator. Feeling cursed, he's become a hermit.
    Character Age
    25 - 30s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Puerto Rican heritage
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Melosa
    Registered nurse and landlord. With a hero complex, she's always looking for a purpose.
    Character Age
    25 - 30s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Repertorio Español, Year 2020
  • Type Reading, Organization PlayPen at IATI Theatre, Year 2019
  • Type Reading, Organization Infinite Stories with Latinx Playwriting Circle at Primary Stages, Year 2019

Production History

  • Type Professional, Year 2023

Awards

  • Finalist
    The Miranda Family Voces LatinX Playwriting National Playwriting Competition
    Finalist
    2020
  • Bronx Recognizes It's Own Award
    Bronx Council of the Arts
    Winner
    2019