A Mirror In My Own Backstage

Known for writings about the Latino experience in the United States, José Angel Figueroa has been a major contributor to the Puerto Rican and Latino literary movement. A Mirror In My Own Backstage explores themes of migration and social justice as well as philosophical-existential reflections about love and the human experience. "This collection gives testament to Figueroa's poetic evolution; it includes some of his most classic poems along with a new crop of innovative work by this accomplished and gifted artist who masters his craft," writes distinguished scholar Edna Acosta Belen. José Angel "brings a unique music and imagery to the definition of what American poetry is," remarks Newark Poet Laureate Amiri Baraka. The cover and interior artwork were created by Juan Sanchez, well-known for his work combining painting and photography with media clippings and found objects to expose America's policies and practices in Puerto Rico, and obstacles facing Puerto Ricans in the U.S.
About the Author: Jose Angel Figueroa is a poet, playwright, actor, and professor of Puerto Rican, Latin American and Caribbean Literature. He is best known for his poetry -- a diverse body of work that reflects searing social commentary about cultural, gender, economic and political issues related to the Latino/a experience in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Latin America. Associated with the early years of the Neorican literary movement and the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, Figueroa is credited as a major contributor in The Norton Anthology of Latino Literature, Harvest of Empire: A History of Latinos in America, and Harvard Educational Review. He was one of the first New York poets to introduce his writings in Spanish to readers in Puerto Rico. His books include Hypocrisy Held Hostage, Noo Jork, and East 110th Street, and his writings have been published in numerous anthologies and literary journals.
Figueroa is also known for his work in the theater. He produced, wrote, and directed "A Tribute to the Life and Times and Work of Piri Thomas," a multi-arts presentation. His play Transnightification was directed by Raul Julia at the Joseph Papp Public Theater and his jazz opera, King of the Crabs, was performed at Intar Hispanic American Theater. He also produced and directed "The Grassroots Poets" Series at Miriam Colon's Puerto Rican Traveling Theater.
Figueroa has taught and worked with students of all ages in public schools, colleges and universities, community venues and prisons. His work as a children's literature specialist and language arts consultant with public schools resulted in the editing and publishing of more than 66 volumes of original children's and youth writings.