Tomás and the Library Lady
“…the honorable message of Latino Educationdelivered with a sweet Mexican taste”
- Public Performance Saturday, May 16, 2010
- Time: 2pm
- Tickets $10
- at West End Studio Theatre - 402 Ingalls Street (entrance on Swift Street) Directions
- Call 831.425.9378 to reserve tickets
- based on the life of Tomas Rivera
- written by Jose Cruz Gonzales based on the book by Pat Mora
- directed by Luanne Nunes DeChar
Story Synopsis
Our story is based on the inspiring true story of a Texas born migrant boy, Tomas Rivera. Unable to read English, Tomas is terrified of school. Not until his introduction to the library and to the compassionate Library Lady does Tomas find refuge. Thanks to a nurturing family and a librarian who takes time to care, a young migrant boy discovers the joys of books, a new language and writing. Spanish words and songs are sprinkled throughout, and both English- and Spanish-speaking theatergoers can understand the play.
Tomas and the Library Lady is Jose Cruz Gonzales’s stage adaptation of Pat Mora’s book, based on the story of Tomas Rivera, son of migrant workers. Pursuing a career in literature and academia, ultimately he was named the youngest chancellor of the University of California-Riverside—and the first Hispanic.
Playwright Jose Jose Cruz Gonzales is the son of migrant workers and grew up in Watsonville, California. This graduate of Aptos High is an award-winning playwright, director, professor and activist. His plays are celebrated globally. He is currently a professor teaching playwriting at UCLA.
School Performances:
May 12 @ 10am
May 13 @ 10am
May 14 @ 10am
May 18 @ 10am
May 19 @ 10am
May 20 @ 10am
May 21 @ 10am
May 25 @10am
May 26 @10am
May 27 @ 10am
May 28 @ 10am
- Schools attend at discounter rates. Please call Terri Steinmann at 425-WEST (9378)
- or email education@westperformingarts.com
Encore! Available for school and large groups (10 +)
WEST is proud to offer our encore program including workshops and discussions that ignite the imagination and enhance the education process. Enclore Included activities:
* Tomás And The Library Lady Theatre Performance
* Talkback with cast following performance
* Theatre Workshop (based on the themes presented in the play)
* Teacher’s Study Guide