LAS BORINQUEÑAS

by Nelson Diaz-Marcano

It’s the 1950's in Puerto Rico and María, Fernanda, Yolanda, Rosa, and Chavela are fighting to live full lives in a changing country with crushing societal rules for women. In the United States, Dr. Gregory Pincus is on the verge of perfecting a miracle that could give them freedom - if only he could find test subjects to participate in preliminary trials. This is the story of the birth control pill and the...

It’s the 1950's in Puerto Rico and María, Fernanda, Yolanda, Rosa, and Chavela are fighting to live full lives in a changing country with crushing societal rules for women. In the United States, Dr. Gregory Pincus is on the verge of perfecting a miracle that could give them freedom - if only he could find test subjects to participate in preliminary trials. This is the story of the birth control pill and the women who risked everything for the chance to live free.

This play was commission by the Ensemble Studio Theater and the Sloan Foundation.

read more
  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Reading List

LAS BORINQUEÑAS

Recommended by

  • Gina Femia: LAS BORINQUEÑAS by Nelson Diaz-Marcano
    “

    An OUTSTANDING play, full of heart and humor that doesn't detract from the painful history Diaz-Marcano is writing about. Beautiful, poignant, and incredibly moving. Produce this play far and wide.

    An OUTSTANDING play, full of heart and humor that doesn't detract from the painful history Diaz-Marcano is writing about. Beautiful, poignant, and incredibly moving. Produce this play far and wide.

    ”
  • Alexander Perez: LAS BORINQUEÑAS by Nelson Diaz-Marcano
    “

    A compelling, difficult, and often affirming piece that allows despair to coexist with the indominable human spirit. This tragically ignored slice of history tells a tale of autonomy, progress, and national identity in the face of infinite tomorrows that won't stop coming.

    Amidst the conflict, loss, institutional and personal betrayal, Las Borinqueñas never forgets to remind us that their communal strength and love will guarantee their survival come what may.

    A compelling, difficult, and often affirming piece that allows despair to coexist with the indominable human spirit. This tragically ignored slice of history tells a tale of autonomy, progress, and national identity in the face of infinite tomorrows that won't stop coming.

    Amidst the conflict, loss, institutional and personal betrayal, Las Borinqueñas never forgets to remind us that their communal strength and love will guarantee their survival come what may.

    ”

Development History

  • Reading, Ensemble Studio Theatre First Light festival, 2022
  • Commission, Ensemble Studio Theatre/Sloan Foundation, 2021