Premiere: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao at United Palace

Date: Monday, October 5th | Doors: 6:30pm | Show & Talkback: 7–8:30pm | $20 General Admission

Literature to Life presents this thrilling adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel which chronicles the life of Oscar, an overweight science-fiction enthusiast who dreams of becoming the Dominican J. R. R. Tolkien. Growing up in Paterson, he obsesses over fantasy novels, falling in love, and the curse that has plagued his family for generations. Despite the endless taunting from friends, family, and foes, Oscar remains true to himself, as the family curse declares its power and the violence of Oscar's family history collides with his present. United Palace of Cultural Arts presents Literature to Life stage presentation of The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao By Junot Díaz Performed by Jean Perez Adapted by Elise Thoron and Directed by Kelvin Grullon Jean Perez is a Dominican-American Actor & Filmmaker from The Bronx, New York, whose work is committed to bold and authentic storytelling, fusing genre with truth. He brings presence, depth, and emotional truth, with a passion for exploring narratives that highlight culture, resilience and the complexity of the human spirit. As Co-Founder of Altagracia Productions, he aims to reclaim narrative power, elevate his community, and leave a legacy that guides and inspires the next generation of storytellers. LITERATURE TO LIFE (LTL) is a performance-based literacy organization that presents professionally staged verbatim adaptations of American literary classics. LTL’s mission is to perform great books that inspire young people to read and become authors of their own lives. LTL was founded more than three decades ago as the educational program of the American Place Theatre. Now an independent organization, this mighty collective of artists and educators brings the voices of diverse authors to thousands of students and audiences nationwide, giving them the tools to become the empowered “voices worth hearing” of our future. www.literaturetolife.org | @lit2life