THE DIPLOMATS
by NELSON DIAZ-MARCANO
directed by Blayze Teicher
Winner: Best Direction, All Out Arts 2017
Downtown Urban Arts Festival, 2018
Published by OriginalWorks
A few days before the 2016 election, close friends Annie and Carlos reunite in her small Astoria apartment. At first, it seems nothing has changed - until Carlos brings an unexpected guest. Over the course of the night, they confront the realities of their new political climate and its impact on their friendship.
Press
"a rare commentary on our modern political culture that manages to – in an often funny, but also poignant manner – offer a deep reflection of the broader situation" - OnStageBlog.com
The Challenge
Lead creative process for the premiere production of a new play written in response to the 2016 election - focused on script development and building a fully staged performance under a tight timeline.
The Insight
Self-preservation looks different for every person in a friend group.
The Directorial Concept
We designed our production to feel like a pressure cooker. In real time, we observed this friend group evolve from roasting each other to questioning everything they share. Across multiple productions, with longtime collaborators, I focused on heightening tension through pacing, physicality, and staging that allowed small moments to erupt into chaos. Smoke alarms, flying furniture, and shifting alliances emerged naturally as the story escalated, revealing how a changing political climate can fracture even the closest relationships.
The Result
Across its productions, THE DIPLOMATS earned four awards, including Best Play and Best Direction at All Out Arts 2017.
by: Nelson Diaz-Marcano
directed by: Blayze Teicher
produced by: Liz Thaler, Louis Lopardi
technical director: William Montolio
assistant technical director: David Haan
starring: Ricki Lynée, Christopher Callahan,
and Carlos Angulo
