San Juan Bautista
– San Benito County is home to many unique holiday traditions
that have been influenced by many cultures and generations. But
perhaps none is so beloved as El Teatro Campesino’s annual
Christmas pageant, which will be closing this weekend.
San Juan Bautista – San Benito County is home to many unique holiday traditions that have been influenced by many cultures and generations. But perhaps none is so beloved as El Teatro Campesino’s annual Christmas pageant, which will be closing this weekend.
“It’s always a beautiful, spiritual way to end the year,” said Stephanie Woehrmann, the production’s assistant vocal director. “Everybody looks forward to it and is glad to be a part of it.”
El Teatro has performed “La Virgen Del Tepeyac” every other year since 1971, alternating with “La Pastorela,” or the Shepherd’s Play. “La Virgen” takes place 10 years after the Spanish conquest of Mexico, and is a retelling of the story of the Virgin Mary appearing to Juan Diego, a native recently converted to Catholicism, to affirm the worth of his people. Because of her apparition, miracles occur and a church is built in her honor, as a symbol of goodwill between the Mexican natives and Spanish settlers.
“The director, Kinan Valdez, was in this for the first time when he was only three years old,” Woehrmann said. “I’ve been involved for a number of years and now my children are involved. It’s very much a family and community effort every year.”
Because of El Teatro’s rich history as the birthplace of modern Latino theater and founder Luis Valdez’ work to promote performance as a call for social justice, visitors are drawn to see “La Virgen” who might not otherwise ever come to San Juan or San Benito County. More than 7,000 people pack the Mission San Juan’s pews every year during the run of the Christmas play.
“We definitely have lots of people who come from Southern California and I know at least one couple that came from Britain,” Woehrmann said. “There are so many people who respect Luis Valdez’ work and to be able to see him perform at the mission is really unique and special.”
Danielle Smith covers education for the Free Lance. Reach her at 637-5566, ext. 336 or [email protected]
