THE DELICATE TEARS
OF THE WANING MOON
LAS DELICADAS LÁGRIMAS DE LA LUNA MENGUANTE
Written by REBECA ALEMÁN
Directed by IRAIDA TAPIAS
A play about Human Rights violations suffered by those fighting for and communicating truth in the world.
Two journalists immerse into a world of violence where cruelty is a habit, impunity is routine, freedom a utopia, and telling the truth is the greatest risk.
The Delicate Tears of the Waning Moon
A play about journalists who risk everything to tell the truth.
Two journalists navigate a world where cruelty is ordinary, impunity is routine, freedom is a utopia, and speaking the truth is the greatest danger.
Inspired by true events, The Delicate Tears of the Waning Moon follows Paulina, a journalist and advocate for victims of femicide and Indigenous communities, who awakens from a coma after a brutal attack. She must reclaim her memory to uncover the truth and seek justice. Fragmented memories come alive in unexpected ways, exploring memory, loss, and hope.
Premieres: English premiere in 2019 at Steppenwolf 1700 Theater, Chicago; Spanish premiere in 2024 at Repertorio Español, New York; restaged at Instituto Cervantes, Chicago.
Festivals: Encuentro: National Theater Festival; Miami International Hispanic Theater Festival; Latinidades International Latino Theater Festival; Dallas International Theater Festival. More than 58 performances across Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Dallas, seen by over 4,900 audience members.
Awards & Recognitions:
2 TALÍA Awards — New York, 2024
2 JEFF Awards Nominations — Chicago, 2024
Critically acclaimed as powerful and poetically moving, the play reminds us:
“Today, while some sleep, a journalist is murdered simply for telling the truth.”
“Being informed is a right. Informing is a duty.” – Rebeca Alemán
“Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”.
Article 19 – The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
“Alemán’s embodiment of the semi-paralyzed Paulina made me think this is as fine a performance as Meryl Streep’s in Sophie´s Choice. Yes, Alemán is that good.“ – Teresa Marrero, ONSTAGETX.COM
“While both actors do a wonderful job in conveying such a beautiful and truthful relationship in the midst of tragedy, director Iraida Tapias has done a lovely job of shaping the story.” – Julyza Commodore, STAGERAW.COM
“There’s only so many other words I can use to shower praises upon this show but know that this piece is an invaluable reminder of our times and the strength of the human spirit.” – Edward Hong, THENERDSOFCOLOR
“Any journalist seeing this show is going to have a visceral reaction, as well as admiration for its exploration of the compromises and deficiencies of courage that often beset even the best newsrooms.” – Chris Jones, CHICAGO TRIBUNE.
“For 24 Years Water People Theater Has Been Devoted To Amplifying Unheard Voices” – Jeryl Brunner, FORBES
“Water People Theater’s contribution to Destinos is sobering but poetic.” – Kerry Reid, CHICAGO READER
“Obra bordada con una delicadeza para mostrar uno de los atentados que sufre el mejor oficio del mundo” – Gisela Orozco, CHICAGO TRIBUNE
“Water People Theater’s The Delicate Tears of the Waning Moon triggered my emotions and an alarming memory of my visit to a memorial site for women lost to femicide” – Sandra Treviño, Chicago Reader
“Aleman’s moving story, performed by a superb cast, is honorably directed by the acclaimed venezuelan playwright, screenwriter and co-artistic director of the water people, Iraida Tapias” – Ruth Smerling, THEATER WORLD INTERNET MAGAZINE.
“An opportunity to witness the universal nature of good acting, a craft that transcends cultural and language barriers” – Bill Esler, BUZZ CENTER STAGE
“BEAUTIFUL ACTING… PERFORMED WITH TRUTH” – Jonathan Abarbanel, WINDY CITY TIMES
“A DELICATE PERFORMANCE WITH A POWERFUL MESSAGE” – Reno Lovison, CHICAGO THEATER AND ARTS
“The Delicate Tears of the Waning Moon is heartfelt and heart-rending” – Sarah Downs, THEFRONTROWCENTER.COM
“Rebeca Alemán Champions Justice & Human Rights in THE DELICATE TEARS OF THE WANING MOON”
– Chloe Rabinowitz, BROADWAY WORLD – OFF BROADWAY
