Recommended by Nilsa Reyna

The impact of trauma affects many generations beyond the initial survivors, but when does it end? What can be done to stop the cycle? What will it take to change minds? Espinosa explores this thoughtfully and evocatively via the Padilla sisters and the journey to healing.

I've seen many variations of this play and am thrilled to have been acquainted with it from the start. I love the magic, positivity, and heart. Anyone can easily step into the world of fairy tales and punks, and fit right in. A charming show for all ages!

This play is part fantasy, but also has a naturalistic, lived-in feel. It welcomed me in and made me feel like a benevolent ghost observing grief. The ending especially charmed me.

A beautiful shero's tale that leaves you thinking about Zoila and her journey for days. The battle with White Jesus is scary and essential, and left me with chills. Some believe there are no perfect endings, but this play left me "balanced, both internally and externally."

An epic tale that made me question whether I like westerns more than I think I do. The answer is yes- especially when written with an inclusive world such as this one! A radio version/podcast of this play already exists, and I can't wait to see a full production.

A congenial play that tackles huge themes such as identity and displacement, in a casual, yet eloquent way. This could easily be a longer play, but it works well as a short piece.

A charming play for all ages that celebrates similarities and differences through a cast of delightful children and the food of their culture. It builds upon the melting pot concept and gifts us a gentler and more hopeful view of what the USA can be.

An engaging play that brings you in from page one. Just when you think you've figured out what's going to happen next, it delves further into the isms we need to confront and heal from. It all builds to a shocking and satisfying ending.

Paletas de Coco is a powerfuI story with intense vulnerability, rawness, and heart. It catapults you along with the protagonist to immerse yourself in his journey. Will he break with the cycle of fathers before him to choose himself and his son? Will he fall victim to intergenerational conflicts he may not fully realize are within him too? Will this be a Christmas Eve like no other?

I love this trilogy and I believe the third play isn't even written yet! The characters are caught between physical, spiritual, and moral borders propelling them to struggle with injustice and atonement. The stakes are high and their choices will affect generations to come.