Post-apocalyptic New York City is the Setting for This Week's Production Marisol

Quick Facts

Winthrop University’s Department of Theatre and Dance will present “Marisol” Feb. 15-19 in Johnson Theatre.

In conjunction with the production, the Department of Theatre and Dance will host a guest lecture by Dr. Isel Rodriguez, an assistant professor of theatre at Florida State University, on Feb. 17.

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Amber Westbrook and Sean Rodriguez

ROCK HILL, S.C. – There’s a war in heaven, God is dying, and he’s taking the universe with him: this is the premise of Puerto Rican playwright José Rivera’s play, “Marisol.” A post-apocalyptic New York City sets the scene for “Marisol,” a piece of work that earned Rivera the 1993 Obie Award.

Winthrop University’s Department of Theatre and Dance will present “Marisol” Feb. 15-19 in Johnson Theatre.

“Marisol” tells the story of a young woman – Marisol Perez (Amber Westbrook of Ladson, S.C.) - from the Bronx who narrowly escapes a vicious attack while traveling home on the subway. Later that evening, Marisol is visited by her guardian angel (Sean Rodriguez of Columbia, S.C.) who informs her that he can no longer serve as Marisol's protector because he is leading the angels in revolt against an old and senile God who is dying and “taking the rest of the universe with him." The war in heaven spills into New York City and Marisol begins a nightmare journey into this new war zone.

One of the many reasons that Dr. Laura Dougherty, assistant professor of theatre and director of “Marisol,” loves this play is because of Rivera’s great gift of language. “Rivera’s language resounds with such lyricism, grit, humor, cynicism and hope. A serious play that never takes itself too seriously, “Marisol” is prophecy, promise and practical joke all in one. We have taken on the charge of creating a world where the moon has disappeared, the water has lost the shore, apples are extinct, bodies lose their skin and angels walk among us. We are meeting the challenge head-on and creating a unique, ridiculous, intensely beautiful world. One surely not to be missed,” said Dougherty.

Dougherty also commended the dedication of her students, at their willingness to embrace a style of rehearsing and performance that may differ from their past experience. “These actors, all with varying degrees of performance experience, have accepted every challenge I’ve laid at their feet. The performances these actors give are sure to set off sparks—of insight, recognition, wondering and inspiration,” she added.

In conjunction with the production, the Department of Theatre and Dance will host a guest lecture by Dr. Isel Rodriguez, an assistant professor of theatre at Florida State University. Rodriguez will lecture on “Performance, Nationality and Puerto Rico” on Friday, Feb. 17, at 11 a.m. in Johnson Theatre. Her lecture, sponsored by the women’s studies program and supported by a Global Learning Initiative grant, is free and global learning cultural event status is pending.

This theatre production does contain adult language.

“Marisol” performance times are Feb. 15-18 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 19 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $8 with a Winthrop ID and $15 general admission. Tickets for the Thursday, Feb. 16, production are only $5.

Tickets may be purchased online, by calling the Winthrop box office at 803/323-4014 or by e-mailing boxoffice@winthrop.edu.

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