Pastorela Ajijic, an independent theater troupe with a 30-year local history, has announced its tour schedule for presentations of “Las Tentaciones de los Pastores” from December 15 through 22.
La Pastorela (Shepherds’ Play) is a traditional theatrical show staged throughout the holiday season in Mexico by both amateur and professional actors. The roots of these plays were planted in the Colonial era when Roman Catholic missionaries put on dramatizations of Bible stories to introduce the country’s native people to Christian doctrine.
The standard plot line revolves around a group of Shepherds who set out to follow the Star of Bethlehem to the birthplace of baby Jesus. Along the way they encounter Luzbel (a.k.a Satan) and his minions who pull off various stunts intended to foil their mission. The Archangel intervenes to set the pilgrims straight. In the denouement, the shepherds reach their destination to worship the Christ Child, in a testament that good inevitably triumphs over evil.
Modern-day Pastorela scripts are usually riddled with humorous interludes to entertain audiences. References to current social issues and political figures may be woven into the plot to make the shows more relevant in today’s world.
Pastorela Ajijic will stage “The Temptations of the Shepherds” at 8 p.m. at different locations on the following dates:
Friday, December 15, Teatro del Pueblo in San Antonio Tlaycapan; December 16, San Nicolás de Ibrarra plaza; December 17, Casa de Cultura, Ajijic plaza; December 21 La Ciruela orchard, Venustiana Carranza 8, west side Ajijic; and December 21, Calle Hidalgo between Aquiles Serdán and Cinco de Febrero. Admission is free.