LEYENDAS DE DUENDE
This bilingual digital assembly explores the rich Hispanic folklore and mythology of Latin America. The stories include La Calavera from Mexico, and Paco and the Witch from Puerto Rico. The program also includes an Afro/Cuban Rhythm and Song that calls to “Alegua – the trickster of the crossroads”, from the Afro-Cuban tradition of Santeria.
La Calavera
After using up everyone in his small village, an old father ventures out onto the road to find a godparent for his 12th child. He’s approached by Papa Dios and El Diablo, as well as a host of pre-Columbian deities who offer themselves for the job before he chooses Godmother Death (La Calavera), as she seems the most just, not favoring the rich over the poor. Calavera teaches the boy to be a great healer, and he grows up to be rich and famous, but in the end, when the healer tries to cheat death, Calavera shows him no special favor.
Paco and the Witch
Paco is a good boy who likes to help his mom but when he goes to town to run an errand he has to pass through the dark forest where a bruja, or witch, is waiting to snatch him up. She takes him prisoner but he is helped by some native animals of Puerto Rico, (Señor Cangrejo, the crab, La Cotorra, the parrot, and El Coquí, the frog,) who betray the witch and help set Paco free.
Leyendas Learning Guide Book a Digital Assembly
Acknowledgements
Photos by David Bazemore. Directed by Sigfrido Aguilar and Boxtales Theatre Company. Written by Boxtales Theatre Company. Masks by Ann Cheverfils. Backdrop by Matthew McAvene. Lighting by Tony Mangini. Video produced by Renegade Pictures.