Celebrating more than a 30 years of tradition, El Teatro
Campesino returns Nov. 29 with a new production of
”
La Virgen Del Tepeyac.
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Celebrating more than a 30 years of tradition, El Teatro Campesino returns Nov. 29 with a new production of “La Virgen Del Tepeyac.”
The biennial performance offers a dramatization of the four apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe to the Indian messenger Juan Diego in 1531.
The play reenacts the events that inspired the religious rebirth of the indigenous people of Mexico, 10 years after the Spanish Conquest.
Appearing in the powerful vision of light and faith one early morning in December, the Mother Of Christ spoke to newly baptized Juan Diego in his native Aztec language. She asked him to relay a request to the Bishop of Mexico that a temple be built in her honor on Tepeyac Hill, where the Indians had worshiped Tonantzin (Our Mother) for centuries before the arrival of the Conquistadores.
This marked the first time in recorded history that the Virgin Mary had appeared to anyone, so the consequences for her Aztec messenger in the heyday of the Spanish Inquisition could have been severe. It was only the miraculous proof of Our Lady’s beautiful roses that saved him.
The play is adapted by Luis Valdez from 17th century text. El Teatro Campesino’s La Virgen Del Tepeyac is performed and sung entirely in Spanish and Nahuatl (Aztec) with accompanying librettos for English-speaking audiences.
Attended by thousands of faithful followers, farm worker families and urban theater aficionados over the last three decades, the spirit and music of the play provide a moving experience touching the essence of the holiday season.
Directed by Kinan Valdez, the colorful pageant of music, dance, and drama marks the 32nd year of El Teatro Campesino’s Christmas productions in the historic 200-year-old Mission San Juan Bautista.
Performances run from Nov. 29 through Dec. 22. Tickets are $20 for adults, $16 for students and seniors, and $10 for children.
Shows are Friday through Sunday at 8 p.m. with a matinee on Sunday at 4 p.m.
For tickets, call 623-2512.
