La Casa Del Cuco

Written by Nelson Diaz-Marcano | Directed by Gama Valle

About The Play:
"La Casa del Cuco" is a horror telenovela play blending family drama, supernatural elements, and cultural commentary. Set in Puerto Rico, the story revolves around Miguel, a disgraced TV host, attempting a comeback by reopening his family’s dilapidated hotel, Casa Campana. The narrative explores generational conflicts, unresolved traumas, and the characters’ strained relationships as they confront personal demons and ancestral secrets.

Amidst preparations for the hotel’s revival, eerie events—centered on creepy dolls and the mysterious legacy of Miguel’s grandfather—create an unsettling atmosphere. Themes of redemption, exploitation, and heritage surface as Miguel and his family grapple with their past and uncertain future. The play uses humor, suspense, and a telenovela style to tackle deep issues like accountability and the weight of familial and cultural history.

About Nelson:
Nelson Díaz-Marcano is a Puerto Rican, NYC-based theater maker, advocate, and community leader dedicated to creating work that challenges, builds community, and amplifies underrepresented voices. He currently serves as the Literary Director for the Latinx Playwrights Circle, where he has helped develop over 100 plays in the past four years. His plays have been developed and produced by Ensemble Studio Theatre, Atlantic Theater Company, The Road Theatre Company, Pipeline Theatre Company, Clubbed Thumb, The Lark, Vision Latino Theater Company, The Orchard Project, The William Inge Theatre Festival, Classical Theatre of Harlem, and The Parsnip Ship, among others. Select works include Las Borinqueñas (Ensemble Studio Theatre), World Classic (Bishop Theatre Arts Center, Pa’Lante Theater), Y Tu Abuela, Where is She? Part 1 (CLATA), The Diplomats (Random Acts Chicago), Paper Towels (INTAR), Misfit, America(Pa’Lante Theater), and Revolt! (Vision Latino Theatre Company). His storytelling blends poetic lyricism with raw emotional truth, challenging dominant narratives while celebrating resilience and cultural identity.

At the reading, there will free beverages, and food.

About INCUBATE NYC:
INCUBATE NYC develops and presents workshop performances from writers who reside/have roots in NYC's outer boroughs. The goal is to bring stories to all areas of NYC, where narratives speak specifically to communities who are in attendance. This program is generously supported by NYC Department of Cultural Affairs.

A free ticket for this event is available to all Bronx and Queens borough residents! A suggested donation is optional and available if you're coming from one of NYC's other boroughs and are able to contribute.

Host or Publisher Egg & Spoon Theatre Collective, Inc.