26 Way of the Iguana

Scripts-Aloud

Way of the Iguana

A young man named Luis struggles to find his place in the world, torn between his past and an uncertain future. This audio drama, written by Rick Regan, explores the lives of a Mexican family through their dreams, struggles, and the harsh realities of poverty and sacrifice.

Listen as Luis grapples with the allegorical wisdom of his father, Jose, who uses tales of donkeys and iguanas to teach him about work and ambition. The "way of the iguana" represents a choice of laziness and a meaningless existence, while the hardworking "donkey" symbolizes a life of labor without personal purpose.

The story unfolds across three distinct time periods, revealing the fate of Luis and his family. The first scene introduces Luis and his father, Jose, working at a construction site in "el Norte," where they toil to send money back to their family in Paraiso, Tabasco. Six years later, Luis finds himself in Mexico, lost and in a destructive relationship, haunted by the memories of his family and their sacrifices. The final scene finds Luis alone in the desert, at the end of his journey, reflecting on his life and the choices he has made.

Themes explored in the play include:

• The meaning of work and labor: The script contrasts the physical, donkey-like labor of survival with the purposeful, heartfelt work that gives life meaning.

• Family sacrifice: The play highlights the sacrifices made by parents, like Jose and his wife, for the sake of their children's future.

• Poverty and survival: The characters navigate a world where poverty is a constant threat, forcing them into difficult situations and desperate choices.

• The struggle for self-identity: Luis's journey is a quest to define himself outside of the roles of "donkey" or "iguana" and to understand his own purpose in a world that seems determined to crush him.

• Faith and despair: The story touches on the role of faith in a world of suffering, and the belief in something greater than oneself, even when hope seems lost.