Anna in the Tropics: A Poetic Drama of Passion and Change at Asolo Repertory Theatre
The magic of literature, the heat of industry, and the stirrings of change converge in Anna in the Tropics, Nilo Cruz’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, captivates audiences at Asolo Repertory Theatre. This evocative drama transports theatergoers to a 1929 cigar factory in Tampa, Florida, where the old world and the new world collide in a poetic and passionate tale of love, tradition, and progress.
The Power of Storytelling in a Cigar Factory
At the heart of Anna in the Tropics lies the historical tradition of the lector, a figure who reads literary works to cigar rollers as they handcraft cigars. In an era before widespread literacy and the ubiquity of mass entertainment, lectors brought stories to life, their words interweaving with the rhythmic movements of artisans engaged in their skilled labor. These readings offered an escape, an education, and, at times, a spark for social change.
In Cruz’s play, the arrival of a new lector, Juan Julián, brings with it the mesmerizing prose of Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, a novel whose themes of forbidden love, passion, and fate begin to mirror and influence the lives of the workers in the factory. The story’s infusion into their daily lives ignites a wave of desire, jealousy, and transformation, as personal dreams and the pressures of a changing world press upon the characters.
A Play Steeped in Symbolism and Emotion
Nilo Cruz’s Anna in the Tropics is a masterclass in poetic realism, with its rich, lyrical language and deep symbolism. The tobacco leaves themselves are imbued with meaning—representing both tradition and sensuality. The factory, a place of skill and craftsmanship, becomes a battleground between the past and the inevitable forces of modernization.
As the characters navigate their own desires and fears, the play delves into the universal struggles of love, ambition, and societal change. The parallel between Anna Karenina and the workers’ lives underscores the power of art to shape perception and inspire transformation. It is a reminder of literature’s profound ability to reflect human nature and incite revolution, both personal and societal.
Alphabet of Smoke: Language and Labor in Anna in the Tropics
One of the play’s most evocative motifs is what can be called an “alphabet of smoke.” The act of cigar rolling itself becomes a metaphor for the way words and ideas are shaped, carried, and ultimately dispersed, much like the fragrant tendrils of tobacco smoke that drift through the factory.
The lector’s voice, imbued with knowledge and passion, is like a plume of meaning that envelops the workers, stirring emotions and awakening thoughts long buried. As the characters listen to Anna Karenina, the novel’s narrative entwines with their own, showing how literature is never just words on a page—it is a force that breathes, lingers, and changes those who engage with it.
This “alphabet of smoke” suggests that knowledge and enlightenment, much like the ephemeral nature of smoke, can be fleeting if not grasped. It underscores the fragility of tradition, the inevitability of change, and the ever-present influence of storytelling in shaping human destiny.
The Role of the Lector: Reading the Classics to the Uneducated
The tradition of the lector in cigar factories was a remarkable example of the democratization of literature. Before the rise of radio and mechanization, factory owners often hired lectors to read aloud to workers, exposing them to novels, news, and political texts. This practice turned cigar factories into informal classrooms, where the works of great writers like Cervantes, Zola, and Tolstoy were digested and discussed by laborers who might otherwise never have had access to such literature.
But the lector’s role was more than just that of an entertainer or educator. He was a bridge between the workers and the outside world, a conveyor of ideas that could inspire, challenge, and sometimes disrupt. As Anna in the Tropics unfolds, Juan Julián’s presence becomes both intoxicating and destabilizing, showing how intellectual and emotional awakenings can lead to both enlightenment and turmoil.
Asolo Repertory Theatre’s Interpretation
Bringing Anna in the Tropics to life requires a production steeped in mood and atmosphere. Asolo Repertory Theatre, known for its masterful staging and immersive storytelling, is poised to deliver a rendition that honors the play’s lyricism and dramatic intensity.
The set design will likely reflect the sultry, sweat-drenched ambiance of a 1920s cigar factory, with rich hues of tobacco leaves, the soft glow of lamplight, and the constant movement of laborers at their craft. The sound of rolling cigars, the murmur of voices, and the rise and fall of the lector’s storytelling will all serve to pull audiences deep into the world Cruz has so vividly painted.
The casting of Juan Julián, in particular, will be crucial to the play’s impact. He must embody the enigmatic charm and intellectual prowess that make his readings so influential. Likewise, the factory workers must navigate their character arcs with an emotional authenticity that resonates with contemporary audiences.
Why This Play Matters Today
Though set nearly a century ago, Anna in the Tropics speaks powerfully to modern audiences. It explores the tension between tradition and innovation, the impact of art on everyday life, and the transformative power of knowledge. In an era where technology has reshaped how we consume stories, the play serves as a reminder of the intimacy and impact of the spoken word.
Moreover, it celebrates the voices of Cuban-American workers, highlighting a lesser-known but deeply significant aspect of American labor history. As Asolo Repertory Theatre stages this production, it will not only bring a Pulitzer-winning play to new audiences but also reaffirm the timeless relevance of literature, passion, and change.
Conclusion
Anna in the Tropics at Asolo Repertory Theatre promises to be an evocative and beautifully crafted production that will immerse audiences in the sultry, smoke-filled world of a 1929 cigar factory. As the story of Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina weaves through the lives of the factory workers, the play explores the ways in which art mirrors life, how passion ignites transformation, and how the tradition of storytelling continues to shape who we are.
Through Nilo Cruz’s poetic script and Asolo Rep’s evocative staging, this production is set to remind us all that words have the power to inspire, to challenge, and to change lives. And as the lector reads, we, too, will listen, enraptured by the enduring magic of a story well told.
“This is a must-see production—thought-provoking, beautifully written, and utterly captivating.” -Susan Short, Family Beautiful
