Teatro Vivo Produces La Pastorela: A Bilingual Comedy The Whole Family Can Enjoy.

Get ready to laugh and celebrate Hispanic culture this December 3-20 at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center

AUSTIN, Texas — Teatro Vivo presents “La Pastorela” December 3 through 20, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at the Emma S.Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center located at 600 River Street in Austin, Texas. The traditional play, an adaptation by Rupert Reyes, is centered around the pastores (shepherds) as they traveled to Bethlehem in order to witness the birth of Jesus. Pastorelas are one of the oldest and most enduring Christmas traditions in Mexico. Originally, the Mexican Pastorela was a religious theater created for the purpose of converting “heathen native.” Once appropriated by popular theater, it was never the same. Pastorelas take many forms and are vigorously influenced by invention and improvisation from the talent participating. Pastorelas may be religious, folk drama, theater, or even urban folk drama, but a very particular structure is maintained.

The bilingual play resonates with both Spanish and English speaking audience members and incorporates traditional music and dance from various regions of Mexico. This production is an entertaining way the whole family can enjoy this Christmas classic.

Ticket are available at http://pastorela.bpt.me

Admission is $15 for general public and $20 for reserved seating.

Teatro Vivo offers student, senior and teacher discounts for $12.

Opening Night, Thursday, December 3, is free admission to the public courtesy of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center. Attendees should sign up online at http://pastorela.bpt.me to secure a free ticket.

Thursday, December 10 and 17 are “pay what you wish” one hour before the performance time.

A Vino y Chocolate reception will take place Friday, December 4 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and will include donated local pastries and complimentary wines for attendees to enjoy before doors open.

For more information regarding the play, check out our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/teatrovivoaustintx/ and our twitter at https://twitter.com/teatrovivotx.

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