Anna in the Tropics

Written by Nilo Cruz
Awards:

  • Pulitzer Prize for Drama (2003)

Synopsis
Anna in the Tropics is a lyrical and evocative drama set in a Florida cigar factory during the Great Depression. The play follows a group of Cuban-American workers whose lives are disrupted and transformed by the arrival of a new “lector,” a traditional reader hired to entertain the workers as they roll cigars. The lector chooses to read Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, and its themes of love, betrayal, and change mirror the struggles and passions of the factory workers. Through its rich storytelling, Anna in the Tropics explores themes of tradition, identity, and the power of literature.

Themes and Analysis

  • Tradition vs. Modernity: The play highlights the tension between preserving cultural traditions and embracing industrial progress.

  • The Power of Stories: Literature serves as both an escape and a catalyst for change, reflecting the characters’ desires and conflicts.

  • Love and Betrayal: The relationships among the factory workers echo the emotional complexities of Tolstoy’s novel, emphasizing universal human struggles.

  • Immigration and Identity: The play delves into the experiences of Cuban-American communities, exploring how cultural heritage shapes personal and collective identities.

Key Moments

  • The Lector’s Arrival: The introduction of Juan Julian, the lector, marks a turning point for the factory workers, sparking curiosity and tension.

  • The Reading of Anna Karenina: The parallels between the novel and the characters’ lives create moments of reflection and revelation.

  • The Romantic Entanglements: Love triangles and unspoken desires heighten the drama and mirror the emotional turmoil of Tolstoy’s characters.

  • The Climactic Tragedy: A shocking act of violence underscores the fragility of human relationships and the price of change.

Critical Reception
Anna in the Tropics was celebrated for its poetic language, rich characters, and exploration of cultural identity. Critics praised Nilo Cruz for his ability to create a play that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

The New York Times described it as “a lush and deeply moving drama,” while The Guardian called it “an exquisite meditation on love and loss.”

Why It Resonates Today
In a world where cultural preservation and modernization often collide, Anna in the Tropics offers a poignant exploration of tradition, identity, and the transformative power of storytelling. Its themes continue to resonate with audiences across generations.

Fun Facts

  • Nilo Cruz became the first Latino playwright to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama with Anna in the Tropics.

  • The play was inspired by the real tradition of lectors in Cuban cigar factories.

  • Anna in the Tropics premiered at the New Theatre in Coral Gables, Florida, before making its way to Broadway.