A re-written version of La Pastorela, a Christmas play parody based on the shepherds’ journey to Bethlehem, will be presented by Fresno State’s Latino theatrical club,  Teatro of Raza Towards Involvement in Local Latino Awareness (T.O.R.T.I.L.L.A ) at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, in the Satellite Student Union.

The free, public presentation is a twist on the original play presented by El Teatro Campesino of San Juan Bautista, a parody focusing on the Latino community and its struggles to witness the American Dream. It was rewritten and directed for the first time in 1992 by brother and sister, Juan and Maria Hernandez when they were Fresno State students and T.O.R.T.I.L.L.A. members.

“When I saw ‘La Pastorela by Teatro Campesino,’ I was inspired to rewrite the play,” said Juan Hernandez, who was a Spanish major as well as an actor and director in the club. Maria, who majored in Math and Liberal Studies, was T.O.R.T.I.L.L.A. president and director.

“My goal was to continue a tradition some of us and our parents and grandparents experienced and to perform a bilingual play for Fresno State students to continue enriching our Latin American culture,” he added.

The presentation of the rewrite of “La Pastorela” has become an annual tradition at the university said T.OR.T.I.L.L.A. President Jose Gomez, a senior Liberal Studies major from Shafter. This year marks the club’s 20th anniversary performing the show.

“The bilingual screenplay is mostly performed in Spanish and raises awareness about political, social and economic issues affecting the Latino community,” Gomez said. “Its comedic stance on the presidential election, immigration reform, Deferred Action and the California Dream Act will also be showcased.  It’s a play that will entertain you, but at the same time educate you.”

Canela, a Mexican beverage similar to cinnamon tea, will be served with traditional pan dulce, or sweet bread while supplies last.

T.O.R.T.I.L.L.A. is dedicated to raising awareness on the many issues affecting the Latino community as well as promoting higher education, culture awareness and tradition through its theatrical performances.

 For more information, contact Gomez at 661.364.2069 or jdanielgomez@mail.fresnostate.edu.

(Copy by University Communications student news assistant Alejandra Garcia.)

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