About the Play

Anna in the Tropics
By Nilo Cruz and directed by Mary Hausch
April 15-May 8

“My father used to say that the tradition of having readers in the factories goes back to the Taino Indians. He used to say that the tobacco leaves whisper the language of the sky. And that's because through the language of cigar smoke the Indians used to communicate to the gods. Obviously I’m not an Indian, but as a lector I am a distant relative of the Cacique, the Chief Indian, who used to translate the sacred words of the deities. The workers are the oidores. The ones who listen quietly, the same way the Taino Indians used to listen. And this is the tradition you’re trying to destroy with your machine.”
Juan Julian, Act II, Anna in the Tropics

When a lector arrives from Cuba to read in the tradition of the times to workers of a cigar factory in Ybor City, he becomes the catalyst of many unexpected changes. Armed with Tolstoy's Anna Karenina, a beautiful voice and handsome face, he quickly stirs the passions and jealousies of all who listen.

As the days pass and the pages of the Russian masterpiece are turned, the workers' lives start to mirror those of the novel’s characters. An invasion of romance, humor and intrigue becomes a much-needed refuge for the workers before and after factory hours. But while the lyrical words of the lector’s reading waft through the minds and hearts of the workers, another invasion of sorts takes place outside the factory: America's continued rise toward industrialization. The act of hand-rolling cigars is quickly being replaced by machinery as the American dream of success and fortune starts to outweigh old traditions.

When one of the workers presents the factory with a machine, he launches a debate that leads to a surprising outcome. Will the workers give in to progress or will they continue a tradition that includes the unique education provided by a lector?

As you enter the Hippodrome’s mainstage for this production, you’ll be transported to the world of 1929 Ybor City, Florida through the eyes of Cuban Scenic Designer Carlos Asse and a cast of Latin actors from around the country [see the Characters and Behind the Scenes sections for more].

To enrich your experience, talkbacks with the cast and members of the artistic team will take place after each Sunday 2:00 matinee performance. Don’t miss this beautiful, powerful play that won the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the American Theatre Critics Association/Steinberg Award for Best New Play.

Anna in the Tropics runs April 15-May 8.

“forbidden and all-consuming passions…it says a great deal when a playwright can write in smoke. Tropics burns with fiery passion.” – Chicago Sun-Times

"The poetry of yearning, the artistry of deduction…Anna in the Tropics reaches for the artistic heavens." New York Times

Recommendation to audiences: The characters of Anna in the Tropics are filled with laughter and love of life, but they inhabit a dangerous, steamy world. While there is strong language and smoking, mature audiences will be captivated by the evocative story and the soaring poetry of the playwright's voice.

This study guide utilizes elements of the Sunshine State Standards for Theatre, Language Arts and Social Studies in grades 9-12.

This guide was created by Steve Phillips (Design and Layout), Tamerin Dygert and Garrett Bantom(Research, Features and additional design) )