Across the Atlantic

Synopsis: Madalena is an indigenous Tocobaga woman from Florida. She is taken captive and enslaved by the Spanish empire to then become an intermediary and translator for the Spanish crown. Lost in history, save only for her mention in a friar's journal, her story journeys from Florida through the Caribbean, across the Atlantic, and back again. A tale of mystery, faith, life, and death that gives an account erased from the colonial history of the Americas.

Cast Size: 12 characters - parts can be expanded as desired. An ensemble can be added to play indigenous people and servants.

• MADALENA - Indigenous female from Tampa Bay, Florida of the Tocobaga people. Fourteen to 30 years old. Looks young and timeless. The protagonist and narrator of the story. A slave, servant, and eventual translator for the Spanish crown. Relentless.
• ULELE - Indigenous female from Tampa Bay, Florida of the Uzita people. Early 20s. She saves Juan Ortiz's life. An idealist. Doubles as Isabel de Bobadilla's servant.
• ISABEL DE BOBADILLA - Spanish female, mid-30s. The aristocratic Spanish wife of Hernando de Soto. The first female governor of Cuba. A pragmatist. Orthodox. All business. Doubles as a Tocobaga woman in Acts 1 and 2.
• ISA LA MORISCA - Female, 20s to 30s, a “white” slave from North Africa. Isabel de Bobadilla’s personal assistant. Kind. Named for her mistress Isabel. She goes by Isa. Doubles as a Tocobaga woman in Acts 1 and 2.
• TOCOBAGA YOUNG WOMAN - Indigenous female, similar age to Madalena. Madalena's friend. Doubles as Isabel de Bobadilla's servant.
• TOCOBAGA MAN - Indigenous male, 30s-50s, assumed leader of the Tocobaga. Doubles as Chief Hirrihigua the leader of the Uzita tribe who at first meant to kill Juan Ortiz, but spared him for his daughter, Ulele’s sake. Doubles as one of Isabel de Bobadilla's servants.
• JUAN ORTIZ - Spanish male, mid-20s to early 30s. A captive of the Uzita and Mocozo tribes in Florida after the Narváez expedition. Saved by Ulele. Doubles as Gregorio de Beteta, a friar companion of Cáncer's mission to La Florida. Doubles as one of Isabel de Bobadilla's servants
• HERNANDO DE SOTO - Spanish male, late 30s to early 40s. The Spanish explorer and conquistador. Isabel de Bobadilla’s husband. He captures Madalena and history remembers him as being a major jerk. Doubles as Cáncer, first name Luís, a Spanish priest and missionary. An idealist.
• LAS CASAS - Spanish male, early 60’s, first name Bartolomé. A Spanish colonist, landowner, friar, priest, and bishop, famed historian, and social reformer. Declared the Protector of Indians by the King of Spain. A pragmatist. Doubles as a Mocozo man in Act 1 and a Tocobaga man in Act 2.
• LOBILLO - Spanish male, late 30s to early 40s. One of Hernando de Soto’s men. Kidnaps Madalena. Takes her into his chambers. Doubles as Esteban de Fuentes the laborer who accompanies Cáncer to La Florida. Doubles as the voice for Man 1.
• GALLEGOS - Spanish male, late 30s to early 40s. A Spanish captain and conquistador. One of Hernando de Soto’s men. Finds Juan Ortiz. Doubles as Prince Felipe II, crown prince to the Spanish throne. Doubles as the voice for Man 2. Doubles as a Tocobaga in Act 2.
• JUAN MUÑOZ - Spanish male, early 20’s, a captive of the Tocobaga people after Madalena is taken. Doubles as Hernan, Hernando de Soto's deceptive business partner. Doubles as a Mocozo man in Act 1 and the voice of Man 3.​