The Other Vaccine. Colombian Drama in 3 Acts.

By Diego Hidalgo-Oñate

"The Other Vaccine" is a captivating Colombian drama in three acts, masterfully penned by Diego Hidalgo-Oñate, adapting the essence of Juan Camilo Betancur's novel "La mujer Agapanto". Set amidst the backdrop of the Colombian armed conflict, this narrative unveils the enduring presence of goodness and beauty amidst a seemingly unyielding atmosphere of violence.

The play introduces us to a rich array of characters, each bearing their own struggles and aspirations. At its core is The Gardener, a gentle soul who cultivates both the earth's produce and the poetry within his heart. His best friend, Mario, adds a layer of lightheartedness to the narrative, a sharp contrast to the looming shadows of conflict and fear.

Central to the tale is Agapanthus, the enigmatic woman who bewitches The Gardener's heart. Her mysterious aura and connection to the agapanthus flower, symbolizing hope and resilience, infuse the play with a sense of wonder and enchantment. Their burgeoning connection unfolds against the backdrop of danger and uncertainty brought forth by the guerrillas, epitomized by the menacing Guerrilla Fighter.

As the drama unfolds, we witness the intertwining of love, loss, and perseverance. The delicate growth of a budding romance between The Gardener and Agapanthus is set against the harsh realities of their conflict-ridden world. The destruction and heartache they endure serve to illuminate the beauty of human resilience and the profound impact of love in the face of adversity.

The play reaches its pinnacle in a moment of both revelation and tragedy, echoing the enduring power of love and the poignant beauty of life's impermanence. The profound and resonant words of Teófilo Méndez capture the bittersweet essence of the human experience, leaving a lasting imprint on the hearts of the audience.

"The Other Vaccine" stands as a poignant testament to the enduring human spirit, the fragility of love, and the transformative power of hope amidst the darkness of conflict. Through poetic dialogues and compelling characters, it brings forth a timeless tale that echoes beyond the stage, leaving a lasting impact on its audience.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cervantes Digital
• Release date: Sep 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9781312058170

Book preview

ACT I

After planting a new agapanthus plant, the Gardener takes out his diary and writes a girl's name. She is the sister of his school friend, who lives across the river. They were his guests, along with Mario, at the birthday party he organized. It was a simple affair, according to his means, but there was no shortage of cane liquor and cumbia. They danced until dawn. The Gardener doesn't remember ever being happier in his life, so he tears the page to put it under his pillow, as if wanting to dream of her. For now, he just wants to be alone and turn the page before asking that girl to be his wife and save him from his agony...

It all begins when the Gardener obtains a packet of seeds from the agricultural supplies store in his small town. It caught his attention because it had a picture of a Dutch landscape with a windmill and brightly colored flowers. The Netherlands leads in floriculture because it's where the main hybridization companies settle, creating new varieties. In his native Colombia, they focus more on cultivation, given that being near the equator and with a homogeneous climate, they can produce in less time and throughout the year. The economic boom of this industry attracted thousands of farmers to the Bogotá savannah in search of work.