Students will generate theatrical writing inspired by personal experience and identity. Through brief relaxation exercises and writing prompts inspired by playwright Irene Fornes, participants will turn personal memories and experiences into material for performance. The workshop is ideal for students curious about non-traditional performance or making performance from personal experience. No theatre experience is required. Simply bring an openness and willingness to experiment. Open to majors, non-majors, faculty, and staff.
This residency will culminate in a public presentation of Tropicana's theatrical work on Friday, October 23rd at 7:00 PM, located in Room 435 of the Theatre, Film, and Media Arts Building. Carmelita Tropicana will perform selections of her theatrical material in the style of a staged reading. Attendees will gain insight into the ways autobiography, theatrical personae, and humor can expand perceptions of history and cultural identity. A Q&A will follow.
Carmelita Tropicana received an Obie Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2026. She has received a United States Artists Fellowship (2021), CLAGS, Center for Lesbian and Gays Studies José Muñoz Award (2021), Guggenheim Fellowship (2017), Creative Capital (2016) Anonymous Was A Woman (2005), and Obie (1999). Her writing has appeared in many anthologies, most recently in Animal Acts, Performing Species Today (University of Michigan Press, 2015). A collection of scripts, short stories and essays appear in her book I, Carmelita Tropicana, Performing Between Cultures (2000) published by Beacon Press.
