A Review By: Daniya Howard, Grade 9
Richard Wright Public Charter School
In “The Other Americans,” the playwright, John Leguizamo, explores themes of loyalty, mental health, honesty, and cultural identity as a Puerto Rican American living in Queens, New York.
My overall impression was powerful. I experienced a whirlwind of emotions throughout the play, feeling connected to the characters’ struggles, especially the character Toni. I relate to Toni because she is very hardworking and bright. Toni’s struggles resonate with me, as she works hard but gets no recognition, yet she still manages to give respect.
The play highlights the importance of understanding and empathizing while navigating personal cultural conflicts. It emphasizes how living in a world of racism and cultural oppression can impact lives and shape the characters’ experiences and relationships.
A pivotal moment that stood out to me was Toni (sister) and Nick’s (brother) argument, where Nick wanted her to help him get a job so he could move into an apartment. As they talk, he asks Toni if he can move in with her and Eddie in New Jersey. Toni says no because she doesn’t want all the attention on Nick and believes he can succeed independently. This moment stood out because it shows how being overlooked can make you feel, especially in sibling relationships. It highlights Toni’s desire for recognition and fairness while also showing Nick’s struggles in finding a job to move away and escape from his parents’ high expectations.
Another moment that stood out to me was Nick, (son) and Nelson’s(father) argument, in which Nick returned from a job interview with a developer who had worked with Nelson’s laundromat company. Nick discovers his dad lied about pressing charges against the white kid who beat him, bashed him in his head, and continued to be in business with that kid’s father. Nick experiences the ultimate betrayal: not having your father protect you. During this moment, Nick pushes Nelson, and they argue. Nelson slaps Nick and threatens to punch him. Shortly after, Nelson and Patti found Nick dead in the pool. This moment stood out to me because it shows how high expectations and low support can pressure you, overwhelming your mental health. This juncture jolted my senses because Nick had just been released from a Mental Health facility and returned home to feel unheard, unloved, and unsupported.
Some themes I noticed are mental health, betrayal, honesty, cultural identity, and the importance of accountability. Each theme highlights the struggle and values the characters face. For instance, mental health shows how pressure affects their well-being, while betrayal impacts their trust. Honesty emphasizes the need for truth, cultural identity represents their backgrounds, and accountability pushes characters to take responsibility for their actions, leading to growth.
“The Other Americans” resonated with me on a deeply personal level, exploring themes of belonging and identity. As an African American teen, I recognize our challenges due to our history and experiences. This shapes my understanding as a teen in a world full of wonder. It pushes me to be more mindful and resilient as I explore all the world offers.
I learned that understanding diverse perspectives is essential for embracing individuals who may be different from me. The play emphasized the importance of mental health and acceptance, shaping my perception of how our backgrounds influence who we are. I recommend this play to others because it offers deep insight into experiences that unite us and remind us of the value and meaning of every person’s story.
Do I recommend it? Absolutely. This play is wonderful and cannot be missed!