(September 4 – September 20, 2026)

Written by Carmen Rivera-Tirado

Directed by Edwin “Rico” Santiago

Presented in our intimate Black Box space!

María Elena Garcia, a young Puerto Rican woman born and raised in New York City, travels to
Puerto Rico for the first time during Christmas, hoping to connect with her roots and find a
sense of belonging. She romanticizes the island and believes that being in Puerto Rico will
complete her identity. However, when she arrives and meets her extended family, she is
surprised to find that they see her as a “gringa”—an outsider—because she was raised in the
U.S. and doesn’t speak fluent Spanish. As María tries to understand her family and immerse
herself in Puerto Rican culture, she is forced to confront her assumptions and redefine what it
means to be Puerto Rican. The play explores the tension between the diaspora and the island,
between American and Puerto Rican identity, and how one’s sense of self can be challenged
by perceptions from both sides. Through moments of humor, conflict, and heartfelt dialogue,
LA GRINGA ultimately conveys a powerful message about the complexity of bicultural identity
and the universal quest to find one’s place in the world.