Rockefeller versus Rivera [10 Minutes]

by Iyna Caruso

10 MINUTE VERSION. Ninety years ago, an epic power struggle pitted the great muralist Diego Rivera against corporate titan Nelson Rockefeller. “Rockefeller versus Rivera,” is loosely based on the real-life showdown that occurred when Rockefeller commissioned Rivera to paint the central work of art at the new Rockefeller Center complex during the Great Depression--and the disastrous turn of events that...

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Rockefeller versus Rivera [10 Minutes]

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Lisa Attanasio: Rockefeller versus Rivera [10 Minutes] by Iyna Caruso

“

Art does battle with capitalism in this engaging short piece. Though set in the 30's, the struggle depicted here could not be more timely or crucial, as those with money seek to control the narrative and establish themselves as arbiters of thought and taste.

Art does battle with capitalism in this engaging short piece. Though set in the 30's, the struggle depicted here could not be more timely or crucial, as those with money seek to control the narrative and establish themselves as arbiters of thought and taste.

”
Danielle Wirsansky: Rockefeller versus Rivera [10 Minutes] by Iyna Caruso

“

Rockefeller versus Rivera is a sharp, thought-provoking piece that brings a historic artistic clash to life with snappy, engaging dialogue. Caruso does an excellent job portraying these iconic figures and the tension between art, power, and vision in a way that’s both captivating and relevant.

Rockefeller versus Rivera is a sharp, thought-provoking piece that brings a historic artistic clash to life with snappy, engaging dialogue. Caruso does an excellent job portraying these iconic figures and the tension between art, power, and vision in a way that’s both captivating and relevant.

”
Wendy Vogel: Rockefeller versus Rivera [10 Minutes] by Iyna Caruso

“

The genius of this little play can be summed up by understanding that this line: "It must be nice to live in a world where money has no meaning." is not spoken TO millionaire Nelson Rockefeller, but BY HIM, and directed TO an artist raised in poverty. A great piece that reminds us why art in all forms is vital.

The genius of this little play can be summed up by understanding that this line: "It must be nice to live in a world where money has no meaning." is not spoken TO millionaire Nelson Rockefeller, but BY HIM, and directed TO an artist raised in poverty. A great piece that reminds us why art in all forms is vital.

”

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Character Information

One role is non-speaking

Nelson Rockefeller

Well dressed, charismatic

Character Age

Mid-20s

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

White

Character Gender Identity

Male
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s
- Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
  
  White
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Man
Diego Rivera

Tall, heavy-set, a major presence

Character Age

Late 40s

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Hispanic

Character Gender Identity

Male
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  30s,
  
  40s,
  
  50s
- Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
  
  Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Man
Security Guard

Non-speaking

Character Age

Any age

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Male
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s,
  
  40s,
  
  50s,
  
  60s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Man
Newspaper Reporter

Character Age

Any Age

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Any
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s,
  
  40s,
  
  50s,
  
  60s,
  
  70s+