La Carreta
La Carreta (English: The Oxcart) is a 1953 play by Puerto Rican playwright René Marqués. The story follows a family of "jíbaros", or rural peasants, that in an effort to find better opportunities end up moving to the United States (see Puerto Rican migration to New York).
| La Carreta | |
|---|---|
| Written by | René Marqués |
| Date premiered | May 7, 1953 |
| Place premiered | San Sebastian Auditorium |
| Original language | Spanish |
| Setting | San Juan; The Bronx |
The story is divided in three acts, each focusing on a specific location. The first act begins with the family preparing to move from the countryside to San Juan, capital of Puerto Rico, in search of a "better life". The second act takes place a year later in San Juan, specifically in La Perla slum, where the family has moved. The final act takes place yet another year apart, in The Bronx, New York, where the family has ended, looking for a better life.
A recent production of the play in Puerto Rico starred Johanna Rosaly in the role of Gabriela. It was performed on March 2009 in Caguas and Santurce in Puerto Rico and then in September and October in Mayaguez and Santurce. The show was produced by New Moon Productions and directed by Pablo Cabrera.