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LA PASTORELA: The Shepherds' Odyssey Written and directed by James E. Garcia |
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Cultural Coalition and Colores Actors-Writers Workshop LA PASTORELA - The Shepherds' Odyssey December 15 and 16, 2006 @ 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. December 16, 2006, 2:30 - 4 p.m. matinee performance Mesa Arts Center in downtown Mesa, AZ ADMISSION $8 to $22. Groups rates available. To buy tickets: 480-644-6500 or visit http://www.mesartscenter.com/ |
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Come and see the forces of good and evil battle it out at the Mesa Arts
Center in this homegrown adaptation of a traditional Pastorela, a comic
and fantastical reenactment of the shepherds' journey across the desert to
see the newborn Jesus. "La Pastorela: The Shepherds' Odyssey" is a local adaptation of a centuries-old, quasi-secular Latino Christmas tale that combines music, dance and comedy to recreate the journey of a shepherds' family who set off for Bethlehem, first on foot and then via the Phoenix light-rail system, to see the baby Jesus. Through the magic of theater and time travel, this Pastorela starts off along the Arizona-Mexican border in the Sonoran desert. Our shepherds', the Hernandez family, meet an array of odd characters along their journey: Bartolo, a curandero who communicates with God through his I-Pod, is the family's guide. Featuring cameo appearances by newscaster Catherine Anaya, radio personality and activist Alfredo Gutierrez and attorney Danny Ortega. The play is written and directed by award winner James E. Garcia. It features a cast of 16. A musical drama - fun for the whole family -- the audience will enjoy a traditional cultural experience. It is a classic struggle between good and evil with a message of hope and brotherhood. The show is family friendly and performed mostly in English. Good for audiences of all ages. Historically Pastorelas were used by the Church in Europe and Mexico as a means of teaching the purpose of the Christmas celebration and the coming of the Christ Child. Throughout the centuries, the Pastorela has become a largely secularized and a popular cultural art form that includes localized references and incorporates comedy, sarcasm and social parody. |