Reply to: Michelle Macau <michelle@theopeneyetheater.org>

MARIPOSA/BUTTERFLY

By José Casas and Sandra Fenichel Asher

“Nature's message was always there and for us to see. 

It was written on the wings of butterflies.” --Kjell B. Sandved

Directed by Michelle Macau

AUDITIONS: 

Email submissions to michelle@theopeneyetheater.org.  Subject line: MARIPOSA_Audition and your name.  Include a picture and resume, and any known conflicts. 

REHEARSAL PERIOD: April 27-May 19

PERFORMANCES:  May 20-23; July 18, 19, 25, 26

Seeking non-union actors for this Theater for Young Audiences (TYA) play performing school and public matinees.  No evening performances.  

Actors are paid.

CHARACTERS

First Neighbor:  adult male, recent immigrant from Mexico, speaks Spanish and is trying to learn English.  A bit pompous, a bit blustery, in a comical way. Has a vegetable garden and plays a musical instrument and/or sings, remembering home.

Second Neighbor:  adult female, many-generation Texan, speaks English, and understands a little Spanish.  A bit pompous, a bit blustery in a comical way. Has a flower garden and plays a musical instrument and/or sings, remembering childhood.

Puppeteer: will bring to life the butterfly and caterpillar puppets. The puppeteer will also serve as an assistant stage manager. 

Please note:  As part of the production, children will create puppets before the 30-minute performance and then join the actors in a butterfly parade.

Synopsis:

Two neighbors live side-by-side in Texas. A low fence separates their gardens, but much more divides them from each other. One was born in the U.S., the other in Mexico. One speaks English, the other Spanish. Their differences have kept them so far apart that if one predicts a sunny day, then the other is certain of rain. Even the arrival of a caterpillar causes disagreement—until the resulting mariposa/butterfly, and its eventual departure, unites them in wonder, sadness and a new understanding of the beautiful world they share.

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