Marco – The Writer
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Writer Bio
Writer Resume
What Critics Have Said
Articles
La Luz Play Reviews
Barceló Play Reviews
What Others Say About Marco's Work:
"Marco Antonio's words transcend the stage. They are both scintillating and melodic, capturing and enveloping those who listen in place, time and culture. He has a knack for identifying the subtleties within the Dominican culture that resound as universal messages for us all. His works are all perfectly packed experiences and timeless passions that touch us all."
~Timothy J. Amrhein
Associate Professor of Theatre
Chair, Department of Performing and Fine Arts
School of Arts and Sciences
YORK COLLEGE
The City University of New York
"Marco Antonio Rodriguez' work is deeply human and therefore carries universal appeal. The situations created by him can occur at any time or place. Within the framework of his scripts, the characters move naturally in an everyday environment and are grounded in truthful and organic dialogue according to the intimate nature of the characters. He masterfully handles conflict without rhetorical declamations or heavy handed indicatives. The naturalism and poetry in his work shines through without being overbearing or gimmicky."
-Germana Quintana
Award-winning Director of Theatre and artistic director of Teatro Las Máscaras
Santo Domingo, R. D.
"La dramaturgia de Marco Antonio Rodriguez es profundamente humana y tiene, por tanto un interés universal. Las situaciones creadas por él podrán ocurrir en cualquier tiempo o lugar, dentro de su obra mueve a sus personajes con naturalidad en un ambiente cotidiano, con un lenguaje llano de acuerdo con la íntima naturaleza de sus personajes. Maneja con maestría el dramatismo dentro de las situaciones planteadas sin declamaciones y sin retórica con muchos aciertos del naturalismo y sabe llevarlo a su máxima intensidad sin caer en sobreactuaciones, ni en momentos efectistas."
-Germana Quintana
Galardonada Directora de Teatro y directora artística del Teatro Las Máscaras
Santo Domingo, R.D.
"With his plays, Marco Antonio Rodríguez has burst upon the Off-Broadway, New York theater scene and has become one of the most prominent Dominican voices in Latino playwriting.
His works are a landmark in the development of Dominican-American theater, for in spite of representing one of the fastest growing populations of Latinos in the United States, the absence of Dominican voices in recent scholarship on Latino playwrights and performers suggests that Dominicans have yet to make a home in the Latino theater community.
With the exception of perhaps Josefina Baez, Rodríguez is the Dominican playwright whose works identify most closely with Dominican-American identity. In these plays, Rodríguez creates for the first time a fully Dominican-American onstage universe. Along the lines of the Puerto Rican and Cuban family dramas from the 50s and 60s such as La carreta by René Marqués and El súper by Iván Acosta, Rodríguez populates the stage with Dominican immigrants and their children in New York City. While earlier texts focused more on the journey of migration and the experiences of adaptation, the characters in Marco's work have long settled in New York and have already established a transcultural identity. For the first time, audiences enter into contemporary Dominican New York through the visual cues of apartment set designs.
His work explores fragile parent/offspring relationships that are threatened by family secrets, and the delightful twist that will ensure a spectator following is that the plays are linked and structured around a family genealogy that spans various, connecting stories.
Marco Antonio Rodríguez has brought to the stage pieces that explore the intersections between love and loss, and tradition and change in the context of U.S.-Dominican migration."
-Camilla Stevens
Associate Professor
Department of Spanish and Portuguese
Department of Latino and Hispanic Caribbean Studies
Director, Center for Latin American Studies
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
"Marco Antonio's work questions the fixed identities of national projects throughout the world and presents other possibilities constructed precisely through that massive displacement of nationals to other challenged spaces of living. His works present the possibility of accepting and understanding each other when delimiting and segregating frames of supposed national identity are shattered. We get to experience the Dominican Republic and Dominican migrants beyond the limited and typical stereotypes."
-Prof. Europa Piñero González
Faculty of General Studies
University of Puerto Rico
Río Piedras Campus
"Las obras de Marco Antonio cuestionan las identidades fijas de los proyectos nacionales y presenta la otra posibilidad que se construye precisamente a través de ese desplazamiento masivo de nacionales a otro espacio inhóspito, pero contradictoriamente es el espacio que permite, mediante las luchas, otras posibilidades de identidad o identidades. Sus obras plantean las posibilidades de entendernos y aceptarnos cuando se rompen los marcos delimitantes y excluyentes de la supuesta identidad nacional. Nos hacen mirar a la República Dominicana y a los migrantes dominicanos de otra manera, fuera de estereotipos."
-Profa. Europa Piñero González
Facultad de Estudios Generales
Universidad de Puerto Rico
Recinto de Río Piedras
What Critics Are Saying About Marco's Writing:
PLAYS:
BARCELO CON HIELO (Drama-Comedy)
"A frequently powerful drama. Disturbingly realistic in its frankness and casual violence. Firmly in the Tennessee Williams mold. Its strength and emotional variety, its richly constructed characters, and its intelligent marriage of public history and private pain are admirable."
"Un drama frecuentemente potente. Arrolladora en su franqueza. Firmemente inspirado en el molde de Tennessee Williams. Su fuerza y variedad emocional,sus personajes ricamente construidos, y su matrimonio inteligente de la historia pública y privada son admirables."
-TimeOut New York
"Poignantly delves into the tricky torment of memory with both humor and pathos."
"Conmovedoramente profundiza el tema complicado de la memoria con humor y patetismo."
-The Huffington Post
"A must-see performance. Without a doubt it will soon become an emblematic play for the Dominican culture in New York."
"No se la puede perder. Sin lugar a dudas se convertirá en una obraemblemática para la cultura dominicana en Nueva York."
-Stagebuddy
"A richly textured comic drama."
"Un drama cómico de rica textura."
-NY Times
LA LUZ DE UN CIGARRILLO: (Drama)
(Ashes of Light)
** FINALIST of the Asuncion Playwright Competition at PREGONES Theater, NYC **
"Amazing... Tight... If in New York, check it out!"
("Estupenda. Fascinante... Si esta en nueva york, tiene que verla!")
-Junot Diaz, Escritor, ganador del premio Pulitzer
"I just finished reading La Luz De Un Cigarillo: cuento de una familia Dominican York....and as you well say it is about the essence and drama of the Dominican York life...about what is Not SAID... implied in their daily life and drama...
Powerful! funny, sad, and redeeming...
It is truly heart wrenching...It pained me to see myself and some of my relatives reflected in these three characters... (who doesn't have a crazy aunt, a relative rejected by some parts of their family because of their lifestyle, a relative in denial?) I laughed and ached through the dialogues...and I believe their funny exchanges save the story's extremely painful, agonizing truths.... I know this will be a runaway hit off broadway!!!"
Blessings!!!
-Milly Quezada, legendary Dominican merenguera from the famous group "Milly, Jocelyn y Los Vecinos"
HEAVEN FORBID(s)! (COMEDY)
***Winner-outstanding new play of 2007 Dallas/Fort Worth Critic’s Forum
“ **** (Four stars)! A hilarious and irreverent production.”
– Stella Tan, TimeOut New York
“…Keeps us laughing often enough to make this an effective comedy… a great comedy… poignant and effective.”
– Scott Stifler, The Edge New York
“It’s genius theater that doesn’t rely on splash but on creativity for its boundless energy. Prepare to be wowed.”
-Arnold Wayne Jones, The Dallas Voice
PICO DE GALLO: COMEDY CON SPICE! (COMEDY)
“Pico de Gallo is a zesty treat… It’s refreshingly honest…”
- Tom Sime, The Dallas Morning News
“Pico de Gallo is one spicy show.”
- Perry Stewart, The Fort Worth Star Telegram
“…Original, funny, and provocative.”
- Robert Ross, The Dallas Voice
PICO DE GALLO: THE RETURN OF THE QUEEN! (COMEDY)
"Fall down funny...the brightest burst of comedy on any stage this summer!"
- The Dallas Observer
"...The laughs cascade like guppies over Niagara Falls."
- The Dallas Voice
SHORT SCREENPLAYS:
SILENCE (HISTORICAL DRAMA)
***PLACED #1 in its heat/group at the New York City Midnight International Screenwriting Competition.
***Official Selection the 2009 SOCAL (Southern California) Film Festival in Huntington Beach.
***Nominated for “Best Dramatic Short Screenplay” at the 2009 Action On Film Festival in Pasadena California.
“The authenticity of the piece is supported by strong dialogue and great detail. This script has some clear emotional impact.............A good, dramatic story with very realistic dialogue and characters with depth that can be cared about.”
– NYC Midnight Judge
MARISCAL (WESTERN)
*** Placed 1st in its heat/genre at the New York City Midnight International Screenwriting Competition
“This is a terrific screenplay -- full of excellent dialogue, rich with drama, deeply human, sweetly stirring, a strong narrative arc, and has good, solid characters with great specifics; very creative. Really excellent work… Excellent!”
– NYC Midnight Judge
KENNEDY IN A BOX (POLITICAL SATIRE)
***Placed 3rd in its heat/genre at the New York City Midnight International Screenwriting Competition.
“Hilarious! A strong narrative relying on clear visuals and colorful, well-developed characters.”
– NYC Midnight Judge.
THE LAST RAYS OF THE SUN (ROMANCE)
***PLACED 5th in its heat/group at the New York City Midnight international screenwriting competition.
“These are nicely developed characters. You have portrayed a complex relationship well. You have a good ear for dialogue”
– NYC Midnight Judge.
Pico De Gallo (PLAYS), College Tour
"Pico de Gallo really impressed me with its honest and humorous approach to diversity and culture. It tackles difficult situations while making sure everyone has a good time."
- Elizabeth Rubalcava, SMU Student Representative
“Pico de Gallo is one those artist experiences you don’t forget. The raw humor and creative “out of the box” approach to addressing social issues is always refreshing.”
- Traci Ray, SMU staff
"Pico De Gallo is a hysterical, laughing out of your chair performance, but still brings issues to the floor that are very eye-opening. It promotes diversity in a very unique and entertaining way. Texas Christian University was definitely ready for Pico De Gallo to premiere on campus, but TCU had no idea what was about to hit them!"
-Sarah Hernandez Zigma Lamda Alpha Representative, TCU Chapter
"Impactfull and hilarious a show that makes you look at race relations in a different way!"
-Fernando M. Salazar, Coordinator of Hispanic Student Services, SMU
BARCELO CON HIELO (Drama-Comedy)
"A frequently powerful drama. Disturbingly realistic in its frankness and casual violence. Firmly in the Tennessee Williams mold. Its strength and emotional variety, its richly constructed characters, and its intelligent marriage of public history and private pain are admirable."
"Un drama frecuentemente potente. Arrolladora en su franqueza. Firmemente inspirado en el molde de Tennessee Williams. Su fuerza y variedad emocional,sus personajes ricamente construidos, y su matrimonio inteligente de la historia pública y privada son admirables."
-TimeOut New York
"Poignantly delves into the tricky torment of memory with both humor and pathos."
"Conmovedoramente profundiza el tema complicado de la memoria con humor y patetismo."
-The Huffington Post
"A must-see performance. Without a doubt it will soon become an emblematic play for the Dominican culture in New York."
"No se la puede perder. Sin lugar a dudas se convertirá en una obraemblemática para la cultura dominicana en Nueva York."
-Stagebuddy
"A richly textured comic drama."
"Un drama cómico de rica textura."
-NY Times
LA LUZ DE UN CIGARRILLO: (Drama)
(Ashes of Light)
** FINALIST of the Asuncion Playwright Competition at PREGONES Theater, NYC **
"Amazing... Tight... If in New York, check it out!"
("Estupenda. Fascinante... Si esta en nueva york, tiene que verla!")
-Junot Diaz, Escritor, ganador del premio Pulitzer
"I just finished reading La Luz De Un Cigarillo: cuento de una familia Dominican York....and as you well say it is about the essence and drama of the Dominican York life...about what is Not SAID... implied in their daily life and drama...
Powerful! funny, sad, and redeeming...
It is truly heart wrenching...It pained me to see myself and some of my relatives reflected in these three characters... (who doesn't have a crazy aunt, a relative rejected by some parts of their family because of their lifestyle, a relative in denial?) I laughed and ached through the dialogues...and I believe their funny exchanges save the story's extremely painful, agonizing truths.... I know this will be a runaway hit off broadway!!!"
Blessings!!!
-Milly Quezada, legendary Dominican merenguera from the famous group "Milly, Jocelyn y Los Vecinos"
HEAVEN FORBID(s)! (COMEDY)
***Winner-outstanding new play of 2007 Dallas/Fort Worth Critic’s Forum
“ **** (Four stars)! A hilarious and irreverent production.”
– Stella Tan, TimeOut New York
“…Keeps us laughing often enough to make this an effective comedy… a great comedy… poignant and effective.”
– Scott Stifler, The Edge New York
“It’s genius theater that doesn’t rely on splash but on creativity for its boundless energy. Prepare to be wowed.”
-Arnold Wayne Jones, The Dallas Voice
PICO DE GALLO: COMEDY CON SPICE! (COMEDY)
“Pico de Gallo is a zesty treat… It’s refreshingly honest…”
- Tom Sime, The Dallas Morning News
“Pico de Gallo is one spicy show.”
- Perry Stewart, The Fort Worth Star Telegram
“…Original, funny, and provocative.”
- Robert Ross, The Dallas Voice
PICO DE GALLO: THE RETURN OF THE QUEEN! (COMEDY)
"Fall down funny...the brightest burst of comedy on any stage this summer!"
- The Dallas Observer
"...The laughs cascade like guppies over Niagara Falls."
- The Dallas Voice
SHORT SCREENPLAYS:
SILENCE (HISTORICAL DRAMA)
***PLACED #1 in its heat/group at the New York City Midnight International Screenwriting Competition.
***Official Selection the 2009 SOCAL (Southern California) Film Festival in Huntington Beach.
***Nominated for “Best Dramatic Short Screenplay” at the 2009 Action On Film Festival in Pasadena California.
“The authenticity of the piece is supported by strong dialogue and great detail. This script has some clear emotional impact.............A good, dramatic story with very realistic dialogue and characters with depth that can be cared about.”
– NYC Midnight Judge
MARISCAL (WESTERN)
*** Placed 1st in its heat/genre at the New York City Midnight International Screenwriting Competition
“This is a terrific screenplay -- full of excellent dialogue, rich with drama, deeply human, sweetly stirring, a strong narrative arc, and has good, solid characters with great specifics; very creative. Really excellent work… Excellent!”
– NYC Midnight Judge
KENNEDY IN A BOX (POLITICAL SATIRE)
***Placed 3rd in its heat/genre at the New York City Midnight International Screenwriting Competition.
“Hilarious! A strong narrative relying on clear visuals and colorful, well-developed characters.”
– NYC Midnight Judge.
THE LAST RAYS OF THE SUN (ROMANCE)
***PLACED 5th in its heat/group at the New York City Midnight international screenwriting competition.
“These are nicely developed characters. You have portrayed a complex relationship well. You have a good ear for dialogue”
– NYC Midnight Judge.
Pico De Gallo (PLAYS), College Tour
"Pico de Gallo really impressed me with its honest and humorous approach to diversity and culture. It tackles difficult situations while making sure everyone has a good time."
- Elizabeth Rubalcava, SMU Student Representative
“Pico de Gallo is one those artist experiences you don’t forget. The raw humor and creative “out of the box” approach to addressing social issues is always refreshing.”
- Traci Ray, SMU staff
"Pico De Gallo is a hysterical, laughing out of your chair performance, but still brings issues to the floor that are very eye-opening. It promotes diversity in a very unique and entertaining way. Texas Christian University was definitely ready for Pico De Gallo to premiere on campus, but TCU had no idea what was about to hit them!"
-Sarah Hernandez Zigma Lamda Alpha Representative, TCU Chapter
"Impactfull and hilarious a show that makes you look at race relations in a different way!"
-Fernando M. Salazar, Coordinator of Hispanic Student Services, SMU