Small town bureaucracy, tyrannical hippos, and human-to-hippo transformation are the key components of this absurd political satire. Gonzalez brilliantly captures and sharply satirizes the verbal cartwheels and backflips of small town politics, the overthinking that impacts collective decision-making, and how bureaucratic protocol prevents action against a dangerous foe. The stage directions are a particularly witty treat, and the hippo itself presents a spectacular design challenge.

One of the quickest, wittiest plays I've ever had the pleasure to read! Gonzalez creates the most interesting uninteresting characters you will ever meet, and manages to bring artistry back into bathroom humor. While the comedy thrives, the underlying themes of conformity and revolution simmer, waiting to throw an arepa at any given moment.

I was lucky to see a reading of this play at Repertorio Español and it was an education: Not just about Hippos’ intense mating rituals or their 360 degree dung spreading techniques, but about humanity and our desire to pursue happiness.

Equally poignant and vulgar, absurd and heartfelt. Just a wonderful piece. Escobar’s Hippo would be a blast to stage and you’ll have a very happy cast as every role has their moments to shine. Query!! When is this play going to get its first production?