Aris & Phillips Hispanic Classics Vejigantes: The Masked Mulatta

This work reveals the complexities of internalized self-hatred based on natural hair texture of individuals of African ancestry on the island and cultural tensions that arise when the United States arrives to the island in the middle of the twentieth century as result of Operation Bootstrap (1947). Vejigantes: The Masked Mulatta is a translation of a very popular Puerto Rican play published by the island’s Father of Puerto Rican Theater, Francisco Arriví in 1958. This work reveals the complexities of internalized self-hatred based on natural hair texture of individuals of African ancestry on the island and cultural tensions that arise when the United States arrives to the island in the middle of the twentieth century as result of Operation Bootstrap (1947). The play reflects the cultural difference between the mainland and the island at a time when many companies established on the island. This translation will allow this wonderful drama to be accessible to an English-speaking audience. The work translates the central theme of imposition of colonial and imperialist values, while keeping the rich culture of la isla de encanto (Island of Enchantment).