On Thursday before Christmas, I went with friends to the theatre in San Juan Bautista, of Teatro Campesino’s production of “La Virgen de Tepeyac”. This is the story of Guadalupe. For 50 years, the local players have re-enacted the Christmas story. It was much more old-fashioned and charming 10 years ago. Now it is riveting, intense and super-dramatic, as the confrontation with the bishop and priests who show disbelief and distain is so realistic. The old gods are angry and do not want to be replaced. The people who worship them are called witches. Forced Baptisms are happening. There is a huge power differential. The dramatic energy rises, the tension stays just taut— the dancing with drums and guitar music, and costumes with big feather headdresses is wonderful. Juan Diego’s visits with the little Mexican mother/virgin on the mountain are tender and marvelous, and she sings to him with a clear and high soprano voice which is mesmerizing. It is a wonderful production! I immediately wanted to film it, and share it. i recently read Michener’s book, Mexico, which helps me see those old murderous gods as vile, who constantly demanded more and more cut-out live hearts from the sacrificed victims, and the people who saw the image of Mary and the baby as life-giving, joyful, and peace-enhancing. She sings to Juan Diego that all the people are her children, and she wants to save them too, from abuse and slavery. The resolution at the end, with joy and goodwill, is huge. It was very moving, and I hope it will get more attention. It is full of color, and great lighting and acting, dancing and drumming, and guitar music and high energy!
The winter catalog from the Southwest Indian Foundation has a book offered, about the prophesy to the people, before Guadalupe appeared to Juan Diego in 1531. It is called Guadalupe and the Flower World Prophecy, by Joseph and Monique Gonzalez. I am going to read this book!
martina2b 