Touring Fall 2010 to Spring 2011...

Help Wanted
Written and Directed By Virginia McFerran

Appropriate for High School to College Audiences

This one-act play tells the story of impoverished immigrants who come to Minnesota to seek a better life and to help their family in Mexico.  Three actors playing multiple roles present scenes depicting life in Mexico, a dangerous border crossing, unionizing efforts, detention by the INS, and demonstrations in support of the hotel workers.  This satirical piece demonstrates the plight of workers whose labor is needed in Minnesota, but who risk harsh treatment and inequities when trying to fill this need. 

The original production is loosely based upon real events that took place in Minnesota surrounding the Albino sisters and their experiences. The stories of the sisters were transcribed through interviews with Dennis Valdez and other members of Teatro Latino of Minneapolis. The script has recently been updated to reflect the ever-changing immigrant experience in the United States.

Teachers can't say enough about Help Wanted!  Learn why this is our most popular touring piece:

“Last night's performance was definitely very informative and thought-provoking." -Susan Blancoigles

“The work that Teatro does is so vital and so engaging.  My students had a great time, and we continued a discussion of the issues raised once we returned to class." -Ebony Adams

Doña Rosita's Jalapeño Kitchen

Written by Rodrigo Duarte Clark

Appropriate for Middle School to College Audiences

Doña Rosita’s Jalapeño Kitchen tells the story of an older Mexican woman facing pressure from developers and members of the community to sell her restaurant off to make way for a new shopping mall. As she prepares to close her doors, she reminisces about her restaurant and its customers, which leads her to question her initial decision to sign away her business. Doña Rosita’s Jalapeño Kitchen has received exceptional recognition from both critics and audiences.

The Adventures of Juan

Written by Amparo Garcia-Crow

Appropriate for Pre-Kindergarten to Elementary School Audiences

This puppet show tells the story of a young boy who is ashamed of his Chicano heritage. One day, while watching over his grandmother's corn, he embarks on a journey to save the garden with mythical figures from North and Central America, like Paul Bunyan and Quetzalcoatl. With the help of these figures, he learns a greater appreciation for his culture.

Manzi

Written by José Cruz González

Appropriate for Elementary to Middle School Audiences

This play is a musical theatre piece that explores the childhood of Latino icon and activist Cesar Chavez through the eyes of his older sister Rita. Manzi recounts the hardships that young Cesar faced and how these injustices shaped the man that would later co-found the United Farm Workers (UFW).

Available Year-Round!

Theater Residencies

Facilitated by our trained artists, Teatro institutes a series of Theater Residencies at local schools and Spanish Immersion schools designed to involve students in theater. An excellent program for strengthening arts in the schools as well as individual creativity and communication in students. All programs have been built to fit MN curriculum standards.

To book a show, residency or ask general questions about our educational programs, please contact Alberto Justiniano at 651-224-8806 or al@teatrodelpueblo.org.