A traditional cultural Christmas play, “La Pastorela,” will be presented on Thursday, Dec. 7, at California State University, Fresno and will help families in need of assistance this winter.
The play will be held in the Satellite Student Union at 7 p.m.
Patrons are asked to bring a toy or canned goods, which will be distributed to families living in homeless situations by Project ACCESS of the Fresno Unified School District. A donation is not required to attend.
Teatro T.O.R.T.I.L.L.A., a student theater troupe at Fresno State, has presented La Pastorela (A Shepherd’s Tale) for more than 10 years on campus. The group’s acronym means “Teatro Of Raza Towards Involvement in Local Latino Awareness.”
The play has traditionally been a part of Hispanic culture since the coming of Franciscan missionaries to America, said Monica Maldonado, president of Teatro T.O.R.T.I.L.L.A.
“La Pastorela emphasizes the human struggle against malevolent forces while in pursuit of the Christmas spirit,” Maldonado said. “The play also gives an unexpected comical perspective that keeps the audience on its heels.”
She said the teatro is working with Project ACCESS, which assists students living in homeless situations.
“We invite the local community to join us this Christmas in the spirit of giving by bringing in a toy or canned goods, which will be greatly received by families in need of assistance this winter,” Maldonado said.
Parking enforcement will be relaxed in lots “P” and “O” (Barstow and Maple Avenue), and parking lot “J” (Woodrow and San Ramon Avenues).
For more information, contact Maldonado at (559) 278-7709 or adviser Joseph J. Garduque at 278-6781. For more information about Project ACCESS, contact Laura McBrien at (559) 457-3357.
