CSP Bluelight Readings Series of SONS OF AN UNKNOWN FATHER

Join us for an evening of captivating storytelling at the Queens Public Library at Forest Hills.

Conch Shell Productions is proud to spotlight a powerful Caribbean heritage voices reshaping American theatre, Reynaldo Piniella – Puerto Rican/Cuban American playwright & performer exploring legacy, justice & identity

"The origins of my artistic practice are rooted in hip-hop culture and coming of age in East New York, Brooklyn. From teaching at Rikers, to writing a comedy about an elderly social media influencer, my artistic practice aims to uplift, restore, and revitalize the communities that have shaped my humanity."

Sons of an Unknown Father tells the story of the first Black saint of the Americas, Martin de Porres. Born into slavery in Lima, Peru in the 1600s, Martin aspired to break through the chains of his bondage by devoting his life to the Catholic Church. But no matter how virtuous Martin was, nothing could break through the barriers of his oppression. Until one day, Martin discovers he has the power to heal people with his bare hands. Suddenly viewed as the second son of God, people come from far and wide to meet the man with the magic hands. Martin's burden becomes too much and he is forced to make a decision - self-preservation or self-sacrifice?

Language: English & Spanish

THEMES EXPLORED:

Faith, fatherhood, family, redemption

Reynaldo Piniella’s work as a playwright includes No History (Berkeley Rep’s Ground Floor), Black and Blue (Ars Nova’s ANT Fest), Black Doves (Thomas Barbour award for Playwriting), Let us Sit Upon the Ground (Vanderbilt University Eco-Grief Commission), Real Life RPG (commissioned by Baltimore Center Stage, produced by San Diego Rep), No Shade (produced by the Lee Strasberg Institute at NYU Tisch) and I’m Old School (produced by Single Carrot Theater). His co-created bilingual Spanish-English Hamlet has been developed at Folger Theatre, The Public Theater, the Classical Theatre of Harlem, and the Acting Company. He is an alum of New Victory Theater’s LabWorks, All for One Theater’s Solo Collective and the Civilians’ R&D Group.

Immerse yourself in the world of literature and experience the power of theatre firsthand.

See you there!

This event is made possible (in part) with public funds from the Queens Arts Fund, a re-grant program supported by New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and administered by New York Foundation for the Arts.

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