El Teatro Campesino opens the holiday season with La Pastorela, a Christmas pageant acted out in the setting of Mission San Juan Bautista.
A cast of over 45 performers tell the story of shepherds in a struggle against evil forces.
The play includes live music and the audience can experience a simpler life and time period but there are also touches in the play of the modern world.
“The Shepherd’s Play”, performed primarily in Spanish can be still followed by non-Spanish speakers.
It is a very old tale that is traditionally performed during Christmas. El Teatro Campesino has been performing this play since 1976, in several different forms.
The original story was passed from family member to family member. It was finally recorded by a Teatro member who offered it to Luis Valdez. He then adapted it for Mission San Juan. It is a unique performance with actors using the whole mission as its theater and the audience immersed in the action.
La Pastorela opens in San Juan Bautista Friday, Nov. 24 and then runs Thursdays through Sundays until Dec. 17. Tickets are available on-line at Brown Paper Tickets.
Prices vary, ranging from $15-$25 for regular seating and $30-45 for priority seating.
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