Sol Crespo, whose roles in Aloha Boricua include Flora, member of The Leprosos Band and Flor María, mother of Monserrate, responds to questions relating to Aloha Boricua:
How does your character’s migration journey compare to your own?
Both of our migration stories are of those of voluntary exile. After the devastating hurricane, San Ciriaco, Flor María felt there was no other option but to go to Hawaii to work. I arrived in NY 12 years ago to study, work and breathe theater.
What is your family migration story?
Aside from my cousins, I am the first person in my immediate family to have migrated from Puerto Rico to live elsewhere.
What have you learned from the characters you portray during the play?
Drive, patience, resilience. Family is not only those who share your blood but those who are an active part of your life. Bonds that are forged when struggle, sacrifice and love are shared. As Pura tells Flor María: “A ti y a Mon no les va a faltar nada mientras estemos juntos”
What was the biggest surprise/historical fact you came across during the creation of the play?
Realizing how much Hawaii and Puerto Rico have in common. Aside from lush tropical landscapes, we share invasion, colonization. And that it happened in the same year-1898. I also enjoyed learning about Hawaiian culture: Queen Liliuokalani and Pele, the goddess of the volcanos.
What is your favorite moment and why?
One of my favorite lines in the play says that “to me Flor María and Puerto Rico are the same thing.” Since we began workshopping the play, I was always reminded of one of Ramos Otero’s quotes: “la patria soy yo”.  It speaks volumes to the immigrant story of bringing your motherland with you, wherever you go because you are your home. I don’t need to live or even be born in Puerto Rico to know very well what my “patria” is.
Has Aloha colored your view of NYC? How?
It’s made me more openminded of the Nuyorican experience. It was never my intention, but I used to take Puerto Rico (and New York for that matter) for granted. For me, it was just the place I grew up. But my Nuyorican friends have shared their nostalgia for a home they might have never even been to and now it makes me appreciate my visits home plus it makes me eager to continue exploring and discovering New York and not take anyplace or experience for granted.



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