The community of National Committee readers for the 46th Bay Area Playwrights Festival advanced 1898 OR HOW SUGAR CONQUERED THE ENCHANTMENT as a Semi-Finalist at Playwrights Foundation. We were compelled by this story of American capitalist seduction on an influential family that becomes complicit, with the energy and pace as the monster of colonialism tries to consume the young. We were highly engaged by the play's rhythms, poetic imagery, and hope in the midst of impending injustices. We hope this play is considered for further development and investigation, and finds dedicated collaborators in this play’s journey towards production. #BAPF46

As a National Committee Reader for the Bay Area Playwrights Festival, I was introduced to this play that takes place in Puerto Rico, where a family's coffee plantation is impacted by the arrival of an investor, revealing secrets within the family, while also taking everything from them. This wonderfully structured play embraces Gothic horror elements, engaging monologues and a strong soundscape - all meant to take audiences into the haunting Enchantment. This play focuses on the impact of power, secrets and most daunting of all, a scary change, all the while leaving hope for the island's people.

Once again masterful Diaz-Marcano delivers a powerhouse of a story that strips back the facades we live under to expose the very real issues we are still dealing with today, including sacrifices we believe we are forced to make to get what we want, and how others can manipulate us to achieve their own goals. Must read, must see, must produce NOW!!!!