The Facts
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
by Junot DíazPerformed by
Elvis NolascoAdaptation
Elise ThoronDirection
Elise ThoronRecommended Ages
15 and upHOW'S IT WORK?
All Stage Presentations include a 15 minute pre-show interactive discussion, a one hour performance, followed by a 15 minute post-show discussion, and a teacher resource guide. To get more information, or to begin the booking process, please fill out this form.
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao / Junot Díaz
Show Info
Go Backstage
Reading RoomThis Pulitzer Prize-winning novel chronicles the life of Oscar de Leon, an overweight Dominican boy growing up in Paterson, New Jersey who is obsessed with science fiction and fantasy novels, falling in love, and the curse that has plagued his family for generations.
This newest Literature to Life presentation features the delicately brutal words of Junot Díaz, author of The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. Díaz details the life-long alienation of a fantasy world-obsessed Oscar, and how - despite the endless taunting - Oscar remains true to himself. The family fukú - or curse - declares its power throughout our story, and finally becomes real for Oscar after receiving a near-death beating. We come to understand the culture of fear and violence that has resulted from Trujillo’s 30+ years dictatorship of the Dominican Republic, and the importance of facing fear with love. Perhaps those least expected will be your saving grace.
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao © 2007 by Junot Díaz. Published by Riverhead and used by permission of the author.
Loading...IN THE NEWS: Literature to Life in the Daily News
Posted by Jennifer Barnette
The Daily News recently interviewed actor Elvis Nolasco and Executive Director David Kenner about one of our new shows, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao.
READ MOREIN THE NEWS: “...Oscar Wao” Named One of Flavorwire’s 10 Essential Books
Posted by Alexandra Scuro
As an avid reader and a staff member at The American Place Theatre, I am a regular reader of “10 Best” book recommendations. And it is always exciting to find books from our Literature to Life roster on the list!
READ MOREIN THE NEWS: Junot Diaz Interviewed by NY 1’s Budd Mishkin
INCLUDES VIDEO 
Posted by Elizabeth Stone
NY1’s Budd Mishkin completed a recent “One On 1” report on Junot Diaz, one of Literature to Life’s new authors for 2010-2011! In this video interview, and the accompanying transcript, Diaz discusses his path as a writer and artist, his family and literary influences, and the success of The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao.
READ MORECOMPANY WORDS: Cutting Words, Making Choices
Posted by Jennifer Barnette
Fall 2010 Artistic Intern Liz Zaita has the opportunity to work with Associate Artistic Director Elise Thoron as part of Team Wao this semester. Her impressions on the process remind us of the formidable (and at times painful) art of adapting a book to the stage.
READ MOREAudience Response
"We see the actor move from a tormented, excluded sci-fi teen to a smooth college stud and then a wisdom-filled grandmother. It's amazing to experience Díaz's narrative coming alive on stage."Liz Zaita,
APT Artistic Intern Fall 2010
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