Anna in the Tropics

Nilo Cruz‘s
Ana in the Tropics

Hill Theatre
Spring Green, WI

August 2025

Directed by Robert Ramirez
Intimacy Direction by Marilet Martinez
Scenic Design by Josafath Reynoso
Lighting Design by Jason Lynch
Costume Design by Raquel Adorno
Sound Design and Original Music by Willow James
Stage Manager: Ryan Barrett

Voice and Text Coach Eliza Gonzalez
Dramaturg Ryan Pendergast
Associate Lighting Designer Maaz Ahmed
Assistant Costume Designer Kate Lopez

Produced by American Players Theatre

Photo Credit: Michael Brosilow

In the heat of Florida, a Cuban-American family spends long days rolling cigars for a factory. They carried with them many traditions from Cuba, including employing a lector to read to them as they work. But with automation on the rise, money is tight, and there are differing opinions on whether that tradition should continue. Still, matriarch Ofelia hires a new lector, Juan Julián – a charismatic young man who captures the attention her daughters, Marela and Conchita. Juan Julián begins his reading sessions with Anna Karenina. As the book’s story unfolds, the family’s lives run parallel, bringing secrets and lies to the forefront and threatening their livelihood and relationships.