Cuban Theater Digital Archive

Play script (English)

In 2024 Miami New Drama presents The Museum Plays “On Stage” at the Rubell Museum which is an innovative and immersive theatrical experience set to revolutionize how audiences interact with visual and performing art.

Pelaez was featured for her play Waiting for America derived from a conversation with Glenn Ligon’s AMERICA neon sign.

Carmen Pelaez wrote “Waiting for America,” in which she plays a Rubell Museum guard named Celeste.  In a gallery showcasing Glenn Ligon’s buzzing, blinking neon sign “America,” she is showing the ropes to Darwin (Carlos Fabian Medina), young Venezuelan who is trying to figure out his new job – and the country itself.

Celeste, who seasons her English with Spanish words here and there, sets Darwin straight about his illusions, from her perspective.  She’s a straight shooter, intense yet expert in the art of dealing with museum visitors and asserting her authority in a low-key way.  The performance space, however, is dimly lit to keep focus on the “America” sign, and the acoustics are sometimes problematic. A good, thought-provoking play should be seen and heard better.

*This information was collected by Christine Dolen's article on Museum Plays*