Just in time for the holiday season, El Teatro Campesino again
presents its popular and critically acclaimed classic Shepherd’s
Play,
”
La Pastorela
”
in the
Mission San Juan Bautista starting Nov. 28.
Just in time for the holiday season, El Teatro Campesino again presents its popular and critically acclaimed classic Shepherd’s Play, “La Pastorela” in the
Mission San Juan Bautista starting Nov. 28.
Shepherd’s Plays or ‘Pastorelas’ originated in medieval Europe as
religious dramas and were later brought to the new world and old Alta
California by the Spanish missionaries.
“La Pastorela” recreates the long trek of those first “pastores” to the holy site of the Nativity.
The Lucifer character of ‘Luzbel’ and his demons attempt to thwart the
shepherds from reaching Bethlehem and the Holy Manger. However in a
dynamic clash of good against evil, San Miguel, the Archangel, and an
army of angels overpower the demonic forces of Luzbel and the shepherds
are at last free to complete their journey.
“La Pastorela” was first presented by El Teatro Campesino as a puppet show, then as a street play in the historic pueblo of San Juan and finally as a colorful, musical spectacle, innovatively staged throughout the entire Mission church. Presented and sung entirely in Spanish, the
spirit and music of the highly visual play transcends any language barriers, providing a joyous experience, touching all with the true essence of Christmas.
Advance ticket sales are recommended because most performances are sold out prior to show date.
The show opens Friday, Nov. 28 and runs through Dec. 21.
Performances are held on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 8 p.m. with matinee performances on Sundays at 4 p.m. A special benefit performance for the Mission San Juan Bautista will be presented on Sunday, Dec. 21 at 8 p.m.
Ticket prices are $20 for Adults; $16 for Seniors and Students; $12 for children under 12.
El Teatro’s box office is located at 705 Fourth Street in San Juan
Bautista. For ticket information, call (831) 623-2444.
The Mission of San Juan Bautista is located at 2nd and Mariposa Street.
