Homegrown powerhouse playwright Erlina Ortiz delivers a comedic story of what it means to be selfish in pursuit of your dreams and selfless with the ones you love.
Erlina Ortiz, Photo Credit: Nicole Souza
PHILADELPHIA, PA- September 3, 2024- Philadelphia Theatre Company (PTC) (480 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146) launches its milestone 50th anniversary season with La Egoísta (“The Selfish”). This touching and humorous play perfectly embodies the season’s theme, “We’re a Philly Thing! A season of plays of, by, and for the people of Philadelphia.” Written by Dominican-American playwright and Philadelphia native Erlina Ortiz, La Egoísta reflects the vibrancy and resilience of the city’s diverse communities. Previews for La Egoísta begin on October 4, and the play runs through October 20, with Opening Night on Wednesday, October 9. The production runs 100 minutes without intermission. With an all-Hispanic/Latino-identifying cast and creative team, the production will coincide with the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.
Directed by Tatyana-Marie Carlo and in association with the Tony-Award-winning producers of Edgewood Entertainment, La Egoísta tells the story of two sisters, bonded by duty and love, whose relationship is tested by the challenges of career ambitions, caregiving, and what it means to sacrifice for the ones you love. La Egoísta first premiered in February 2023 (Actors Theatre of Louisville/ Louisville, KY) following a reading at the 2022 Latinx Theatre Commons. As a 2022 National Latine Playwrights Award winner, this production’s Philadelphia premiere marks an essential moment in PTC’s history, spotlighting the rich, multifaceted narratives that define the city.
Josefina (Sasha Merci), La Egoísta’s witty protagonist, is a wildly funny, independent, and compassionate big sister and Philadelphia-based stand-up comedian who takes nothing seriously except the well-being of her little sister Betsaida (María Gabriela González). When Betsaida becomes ill just as Josefina’s career begins to take off, she experiences an inevitable clash between her responsibility toward her sister and the pursuit of her dream. Confronting the limits of selflessness, Josefina finds her turning point when she must decide between prioritizing her success or embracing a role that will change her sense of purpose and her most cherished relationship.
“We are thrilled to kick off PTC’s 50th anniversary season with a Philadelphia premiere by one of the city’s rising stars, Erlina Ortiz,” says Tyler Dobrowsky, Co-Artistic Director of PTC. “This heartfelt and hilarious comedy strikes the perfect balance between humor and family drama, and we couldn’t be prouder to collaborate with the Tony Award-winning Edgewood Entertainment to bring this remarkable work to the stage. Adding to our excitement is the fact that Tatyana-Marie Carlo, whose directorial work we’ve long admired, is making her Philly debut with us on this piece. We can’t wait to get started!”
Playwright Erlina Ortiz and director Tatyana-Marie Carlo share a robust artistic connection, united by their commitment to telling powerful, culturally resonant stories that center on themes of identity, family, and the Latine experience. Ortiz has taught playwriting at local organizations, including the University of the Arts, Power Street Theatre, where she is Co-Artistic Director and a founding member, and Blue Stoop. In 2018, her play Las Mujeres received The Bonaly Award for Creation of Community Joy, and in 2019, Morir Soñando was nominated for six Barrymore Awards, including Outstanding New Play. In the Fall of 2021, Young Money premiered at Azuka Theatre (Philadelphia, PA) and received the ATCA/Steinberg New Play Award Citation.
Carlo, a Miami native, was named a “Broadway 2023 Industry Woman to Watch” by Broadway Women’s Fund. She is a Latiné director whose work focuses on joyful bilingual theater-making and crafting experiences that resonate with collaborators and audiences alike. Carlo’s work includes the Off-Broadway production of Vámonos at Intar Theatre (New York, NY). She is currently the Resident Director of Trinity Repertory Company (Providence, RI).
Actress Sasha Merci plays La Egoísta’s lead, Josefina. Merci is a second-generation Dominican American comedian, actress, digital creator, and Bronx, NY native. She has starred in the feature film De Lo Mio (HBO), her very own series Like, Subscribe Demilo (FUSE), and in the popular web series Group Therapy (COMPLEX). A versatile stage and screen artist, Merci has garnered attention for her dynamic performances and unique comedic voice. She has appeared on HBO Max’s The Hype and continues to build a strong following with her stand-up and sketch comedy.
Actress María Gabriela González plays opposite Merci as Josefina’s strong-willed-spirited sister Betsaida. González, a New York-based actor born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a graduate of the University of Puerto Rico (Río Piedras, PR), Brown/Trinity Rep MFA (Providence, RI), and is a proud member of the Actors’ Equity Association. Known for her powerful performances across stage and screen, she has performed in regional theaters across the country.
Completing the cast is Marisol Rosa-Shapiro, who takes on the role of the puppeteer, lending comedic depth to the story through the representation of Josefina’s inner thoughts, physical manifestations, and emotions. Rosa-Shapiro is a cultural worker, theater artist, and educator. She is a member of the teaching artist ensemble at the New Victory Theater in New York City, NY, where she developed The Seven Ravens Project, an original work of theater for children and families, as a lead artist in the LabWorks new work development program. Additionally, local DJ Jonathan Tineo, On-Air Personality and Program Director for iHeartMedia’s Rumba 106.1 FM in Philadelphia and one of the area’s most respected Latino DJs, will provide voice-over work for the production. Tineo broadcasts a vibrant mix of reggaetón and Latin music across the Philadelphia tri-state area from 2 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and maintains a solid rooted presence in the community.
La Egoísta is presented with the collaboration of its exceptional creative team, including Rodrigo Escalante (Scenic Designer), Haydee Zelideth (Costume Designer), J. Dominic Chacon (Lighting Designer), and Germán Martínez (Sound Designer), with casting by Stephanie Klapper. The New York-based puppets, props, and scenic workshop The Rockshop completed the puppet design and build for production props, which also built the puppets for Sesame Street: The Musical, among many others.
PTC’s production offers several affinity nights for various audiences, including Community Night on Friday, October 11, and Black Theatre Night on Friday, October 18. A post-show talkback takes place on Sunday, October 13, an audio-described performance on Saturday, October 12, and an open caption accompanied performance on Saturday, October 19. PTC also offers an ASL-interpreted performance on Thursday, October 17. A complete schedule of performances can be found at philadelphiatheatrecompany.org.
PTC is grateful to the sponsors who have made this production of La Egoísta and PTC’s 2024-25 season possible. Support is made possible through the Suzanne Roberts Cultural Development Fund, David & Nancy Colman, Glenn Gundersen, Sally Katz, and Daryl & Ellen Morey.
Find a detailed lineup of productions this season, rental, partnership/sponsorship opportunities, and a schedule of community programming on the Philadelphia Theatre Company website. Like and follow PTC on social media @philatheatreco, Facebook, X, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Philadelphia Theatre Company (PTC) is a vital civic institution dedicated to the creation of extraordinary theatrical experiences that reflect the essential issues and ideas of our time and that foster connection, understanding, and transformation. PTC engages and strengthens our community through exceptional productions of new and contemporary plays and musicals, inspiring education programs, and mutually beneficial civic partnerships. PTC develops exciting new work that resonates locally and nationally and upholds a deep commitment to be a fully inclusive, welcoming home for Philadelphia’s artists, audiences, and people.