Two River Theater to Present ¡FESTEJO! Celebrating Latine Stories; Marking 15 Years
The lineup includes 1898 by Nelson Díaz-Marcano, American Carnage by Marvin González De León and more.
Two River Theater will present ¡Festejo! Celebrating Latine Stories Onstage, taking place August 6–9, 2026. This annual celebration, formerly known as Crossing Borders (Cruzando Fronteras) Festival, returns for its 15th year, showcasing new work in development by Latine theater artists, and featuring music and art that celebrates the Latine community in our region. Two River is one of five regional theaters to receive the prestigious National Theatre Company grant from American Theatre Wing in support of this year’s festival.
¡Festejo! is the cornerstone of Two River’s commitment to uplifting Latine voices, offering audiences a first look at new work in development through readings, concerts, and community gatherings. Over the years, the festival has featured the work of a wide range of acclaimed and emerging playwrights, creating a vibrant space for storytelling that reflects the breadth and richness of Latine experiences.
In anticipation of the Festival’s 15th year, members of the TRT staff, led by our IDEA Collective, a cross-departmental group of staff members who work collaboratively to advance and support Two River Theater’s ongoing commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility, and artists affiliated with the Festival wondered if the name of the festival encapsulates all it has grown to contain and if it is meeting the current moment. Over the past year, Two River engaged in an intentional and inclusive process of open conversations with past and present festival artists, community members and leaders, staff members, board representatives, and local partners, gathering a wide range of perspectives and experiences connected to the festival and its identity. Those conversations were then brought back to a cohort of artists and community members who helped guide the renaming process and shape the future vision of the festival.
This year’s festival, supported by the National Theatre Company Grant from the American Theater Wing, features an exciting lineup of new works that explore history, identity, community, and resilience through a wide range of theatrical styles and voices. Audiences will experience readings of 1898 by Nelson Díaz-Marcano, a sweeping look at Puerto Rico’s transformation into a U.S. territory; American Carnage by Marvin González De León, a darkly farcical and deeply human exploration of Mexican and family history; Standing Still by Melinda Lopez, a moving ensemble piece about finding connection in uncertain times; and lastly, the dark and funny sci-fi-inspired tether by Noelle Viñas.
Additionally, through the American Theatre Wing grant, which focuses on helping regional companies innovate new strategies to successfully present the work of living American Playwrights, Two River is taking on two new initiatives for this year’s Festival. We will present the first workshop performance of Two River’s commission of the Spanish translation of A Bodega Princess Remembers La Fiesta de los Reyes Magos, 1998/Recuerdos de Una Bodega Princess: La Fiesta De Los Reyes Magos 1998 by Iraisa Ann Reilly, a music-filled storytelling event celebrating Latine culture and memory performed in Spanish. Also, Two River will conduct Spanish-language staff training for Audience Services and produce promotional and informational materials in both English and Spanish, providing a more inclusive experience for our audiences.
In addition to the readings, audiences can gather on Two River’s Plaza on Saturday evening for a live performance by Jarana Beat, the acclaimed Mexico-via-Brooklyn ensemble led by composer and producer Sinuhé Padilla-Isunza. The 10-piece band blends Mexican folk and Afro-Amerindian musical traditions with dance and percussive footwork, incorporating styles such as Son Jarocho, Salsa, Cumbia, Samba, and Rumba into an energetic, cross-cultural performance. Praised by Time Out New York for weaving “intricate rhythms and delicate plucks with rich, yearning vocals,” Jarana Beat has built an international following through vibrant performances that celebrate community, cultural exchange, and the living traditions of Afro-Amerindian music.
2026 ¡Festejo! New Play Readings:
1898 by Nelson Díaz-Marcano
When Puerto Rico becomes a US territory, the Suarez family is enticed by an American investor who appears with an opportunity that promises riches beyond their imaginations. But as soon as he arrives things start falling apart in Nelson Díaz-Marcano’s 1898, which explores how history resonates with us today.
American Carnage by Marvin González De León
Martín hid in the basement when his parents were disappeared. 30 years later, he’s still in the basement with only a stuffed-man made of burlap bean sacks for company. American Carnage by Marvin González De León is part allegory, part Looney Tunes Dada, and an exploration of Mexican and family history told with humor and tenderness.
Standing Still by Melinda Lopez
Come get centered in the yoga studio! Join six ordinary people as they try to stay grounded in a world shaped by uncertainty. Co-author of Two River’s Stir, Melinda Lopez’ Standing Still is about the power of showing up for each other in extraordinary times. Standing Still was Co-Commissioned by Merrimack Repertory Theatre (Courtney Sale, Nancy L. Donahue Artistic Director, Bonnie J. Butkas, Executive Director), and LAUNCH PAD at University of California, Santa Barbara, Department of Theater and Dance in 2022 (Risa Brainin, Artistic Director). Standing Still was further developed in a Preview Production at UCSB LAUNCH PAD in 2026 directed by Risa Brainin.
Recuerdos de Una Bodega Princess: La Fiesta De Los Reyes Magos 1998, written, translated, and performed by Iraisa Ann Reilly (Performed in Spanish)
Every January 6, the Latine community of Egg Harbor City, NJ gather for a celebration of the Feast of Los Reyes Magos, or Three Kings Day. The Bodega Princess, Iraisa Ann Reilly, introduces the audience to her family, her hometown, and her epiphany at the 1998 Feast. Featuring music, storytelling, and good old 90s nostalgia performed entirely in Spanish.
tether by Noelle Viñas
Siblings Mo and Lidia can teleport, but they can’t seem to leave each other behind. Bound by a lifetime of struggle and survival. Noelle Viñas’ tether is a darkly funny new play about the impossible ache of loving someone enough to change.
Audiences are invited to experience the festival at no cost, from play readings to live music and celebratory gatherings with food and beverages, making it an open and welcoming space for all. By attending, Two River invites everyone to be a part of the creative process itself, witnessing new works in their earliest stages and engaging with stories as they take shape. ¡Festejo! offers a unique opportunity to champion Latine voices and experience the diversity and depth of Latine stories brought to life onstage.
FREE TICKETS/ACCESS
All festival events are free and open to the public, with advance registration required. Audiences are invited to reserve tickets for individual readings, music events, and conversations taking place throughout the August 6–9 festival at Two River. Tickets will be available at https://tworivertheater.org/festejo/.
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