In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Center for Puppetry Arts presents its new puppetry adaptation of Duncan Tonatiuh’s award-winning children’s book, “Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote: A Migrant’s Tale” (“Pancho conejo y el coyote: La fábula de un migrant”) on stage from Sept. 17 to Oct. 20, 2024. The Center for Puppetry Arts is hosting special events and educational programming in partnership with community organizations, the Consulate General of Mexico, and the book’s author to kick off the world premiere.
In Tonatiuh's story, Pancho Rabbit journeys to find his father, who went north two years earlier to work. Armed with his father’s favorite meal, Pancho encounters various challenges and encounters Coyote who offers help in exchange for the food. Once the food is gone, Coyote reveals his true intentions. Tonatiuh explores the risks and struggles of immigrant families seeking better lives.
The production features intricately crafted puppets and dynamic set designs under the direction of Jason Hines, the Center’s artistic director and puppet designer. Jessica Rosa Espinoza, the playwright and lyricist for the adaptation, collaborated with Hines to bring the characters to life. Musician Clayton Colwell composed the adaptation’s poignant musical score to enhance the production’s emotional depth. Through a combination of live actors and puppetry, Pancho’s story is a timeless Mexican folktale that integrates Spanish vocabulary into both the script and songs “We are thrilled to present Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote,” Hines said. “Duncan Tonatiuh’s book is a beautiful and inspiring tale of bravery and hope. Our team has worked diligently to create a production that honors the spirit of the book.”
On Sept. 20, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., the Center will host an evening reception and panel discussion in partnership with the Consulate General of Mexico. The event will include a reception with museum access, followed by a panel moderated by Executive Director Beth Schiavo, featuring Hines, Espinoza, and Tonatiuh. The evening will conclude with a Q&A session. To purchase tickets, visit https://puppet.org/programs/the-making-of-pancho-rabbit-the-coyote/
On Sept. 21, Tonatiuh will participate in a special public post-show discussion and book signing, offering patrons the unique opportunity to meet with Tonatiuh and delve deeper into the story’s themes. This special event will be offered at no additional charge for all attendees of the Sept. 21 performance.
On Oct. 5, the Center for Puppetry Arts presents American Sign Language (ASL) interpreted performances at 1 and 3 p.m. on, providing accessible performances for guests who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
Tickets for special opening weekend events and subsequent performances are available now. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit puppet.org/programs/pancho-rabbit-and-the-coyote.
