little boy/little man by Rudi Goblen

Geffen Playhouse in association with Brixton House presents the world premiere of

little boy/little man

Written by Rudi Goblen

Directed by Nancy Medina

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When Nicaraguan brothers Fíto and Bastian clash over their visions of the American Dream, their choices send them on a collision course with fate—risking not just their futures, but their bond. Fíto, a poet, is impulsive and ambitious, willing to take risks to get what he wants. Bastian, a telemarketer, is steady and principled, holding onto caution as a guide. Blending poetry, live music, and ritual, this electrifying tale of brotherhood and belonging pulses with rhythm and emotion, pulling us into a world where family is everything, but dreams come at a cost.

Featuring Alex Hernandez & Marlon Alexander Vargas, with musicians Dee Simone & Tonya Sweets.

“littleboy/littleman lives entirely in one world—one container without walls or guardrails—one that can shift and expand through voice, body, music, and the energy/imagination shared between the performers and the audience. It resists naturalistic structure, instead moving through poetic and dream logic, and is deeply rooted in the traditions that have shaped me: solo performance, dance, devised theater, poetry, and street performance. Forms that are raw, immediate, and alive – crafted in full view, always inviting, always charged with their rough magic.

The play is a story of Black and Brown sons who’ve had to be men too soon. The play navigates love, legacy, and the price of resilience. Part poem, part performance – the play is spoken word with teeth, tenderness, and truth. A lyrical fable told in breath and blood – this is theater where verse and movement meet – every word is a wound and wonder. littleboy/littleman is an Afro-Latinx tale braided with drums, language, and lineage—brotherhood, and the ache of becoming. Spanglish tongues, broken bonds, and brown boys turning men in the shadows of sacrifice. It is a rhythmic tale of identity within the Latine community.”

— Rudi Goblen, playwright

Two performances will have Spanish captions. Learn More
Dos funciones tendrán subtítulos en español. Más Información

Running Time: 90 minutes, no intermission.

Warnings: Strobe Lighting Effects, Loud Music, Theatrical Haze, Aisles Used for Actor Entrances & Exits

Content Advisory: This production contains profanity.

Age Recommendation: 12+

All Geffen Playhouse productions are intended for an adult audience; children under 10 years of age will not be admitted.

Understudy Performance: For the 10/26 7pm performance, the role of “Fíto Palomino” will be performed by Robert Lee Hart and the role of “Bastian Monteyero” will be performed by Bobby Román.