Elián

For 40 years, the Cuban government and the Miami exile community have played an endless game of political tug of war…Then in 1999, a young boy is found on the shores of Florida clinging to life. ELIÁN is a story of hope that soon falls under the watchful eye of the 24-hour news cycle, causing each side of the conflict to pull harder and harder on that rope. We know the story ends with a boy in a closet, a gun pointed at him; but few of us know how it got to that moment. With explosive real-life personalities, painfully hilarious moments, and great compassion, ELIÁN pulls back the curtain and reveals how American democracy really works.

Christine Dolen, Artburst

"Elián is factually grounded, incredibly imaginative and impressively acted. Who knew a "dramedy" about the Elián González custody battle could mix moving scenes with laugh-out-loud moments?"

Aaron Krause, Artzine

"Fast-paced, touching, and at times hilarious"

Christine Dolen, Artburst/Miami Herald

"Surprising and superbly acted"

Aaron Krause, Artzine

"Moving, riveting, and incisive play."

Aaron Krause, Artzine

"Undoubtedly, live theater can heal. And, in this case, “Elián” proves to be a cathartic experience."

Bill Hirschman, Florida Theatre On Stage

"The play has razor-sharp observations"

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/11/theater/elian-gonzalez-play-miami.html

WATCH THE PREVIEW

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3A4Kgptyrk

THE NATIONAL PASTIME

In 2017 the Houston Astros were stealing signs and banging on a garbage can. They would go on to win the World Series. In 2017, a mysterious illness that came to be known as Havana Syndrome started to attack embassy officials in Havana. Havana Syndrome would lead to the emptying of the American embassy in Havana. In The National Pastime, baseball and espionage come together in an atmosphere of secrets and paranoia.

The play was commissioned by Syracuse Stage.