Chronicles of a Puerto Rican Visionary in Literature and Theater - Jon Marcantoni

How Do You Say Success in Spanglish?

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Jon Marcantoni is a Puerto Rican novelist and playwright. The author of five books, he won the 2017 Independent Book Award for Best Southeastern Fiction for his book Kings of 7th Avenue. After the success of his play Puerto Rican Nocturne, about the Cerro Maravilla murders and their aftermath, he founded Flamboyán Theatre in 2022. The company produces new Puerto Rican plays and seeks to build a creative hub for Denver's Puerto Rican community to celebrate their culture and stories, while utilizing multimedia and multi-modal forms of performance for a 21st century theatrical experience.
Summary:
Have you ever sat down with a storyteller whose words instantly teleport you to a world where every color, sound, and emotion is palpable? That's exactly what happened when Jon Marcantoni, a Puerto Rican powerhouse of a novelist and playwright, graced our podcast. With a life as vibrant as the streets of San Juan, Jon unveils the tapestry of his journey — from the military to mastering the art of Spanglish, all while keeping his abuela's legacy alive through his tales and the Flamboyán Theater.
As laughter and poignant memories interweave, Jon recounts the eclectic influences that shaped him: the wisdom of his late abuela Rosada, the cultural awakenings in the marina views of Fajardo, and the fiery spirit of the Vieques protests. These anecdotes are more than just stories; they're a testament to how personal history and the broader strokes of cultural and technological shifts can stir the pot of creativity, giving rise to a voice that's both authentic and relatable.
Navigating the intersection of art and business is no simple feat, yet Jon does so with the finesse of a seasoned playwright. He peels back the curtain to reveal the gritty realities of the publishing world and the theater scene, sharing pearls of wisdom on how to stay true to one's vision in a world that often seeks to commodify creativity. His journey teaches us that embracing our full identity is not just an act of self-love, but a key to unlocking doors previously thought closed. Strap in for an episode that's as much a masterclass in storytelling as it is a celebration of cultural richness and artistic integrity.

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Intro Song: Regaeton Pop - Denbow Ambiance

Chapter

1. Chronicles of a Puerto Rican Visionary in Literature and Theater - Jon Marcantoni (00:00:00)

2. Navigating Success in Spanglish (00:00:04)

3. Abuela's Influence on Identity and Writing (00:18:28)

4. Becoming Author and Playwright (00:32:56)

5. Navigating Artistic Authenticity and Success (00:47:21)