Texas Border Business
Who Killed Don Jose?… is a question for the forth coming audience at Pharr Community Theater’s newest play written by celebrated New Mexico born author, Rudolfo Anaya. Best known for his 1972 novel Bless me, Ultima, Anaya is considered one of the founders of the canon of contemporary Chicano literature. Last year he was awarded The National Humanities Medal by former President Barrack Obama.
“Many years ago my wife and I were tourists in London, and of course, as tourists, we had to go see THE MOUSETRAP, a who-done-it play by Agatha Christie. THE MOUSE TRAP is the longest running play ever produced in London. It’s a traditional who-done-it, using all the formulas this type of play follows. It is a fun, brilliant play. If in London, go see it. After leaving the theatre I turned to my wife and said, “I can write a play like that.” So the idea for WHO KILLED DON JOSE was born in a London street. But I set mine in New Mexico. What else? I put in the missing pistol, a dead Don Jose, people hiding in closets, a love affair, the dead man’s will, borregos (sheep) with micro chips, the whole enchilada. I added political intrigue a la Nuevo Mexico. Money$$$. The play should be fun. See if you can guess the killer at the end of Act 1. There is also social commentary. Politics and who owns the land,” said Anaya in a recent interview with the director of the play and theater company, Pedro Garcia.
“This marks my 30 years working in community theater” says Garcia. “As a matter of fact, Who Killed Don Jose? was the first play I ever performed in as an actor, back in 1987, in the role of el borreguero/the sheep herder Diego. I was living in Albuquerque at the time, working as a radio broadcaster and dreaming of becoming an accomplished actor and I met Rudolfo there. Since then I have participated in 4 of his plays including, Matachines, The Farolitos of Christmas, Who Killed Don Jose and Bless Me Ultma. I love Anaya’s writing as I can relate to the culture in his stories and they remind me of the time when I was 14 walking on the levy, overlooking the Rio Grande, in my boyhood town of Hidalgo, TX, and singing ballads of the popular Mexican songs back then.
Two copies of Anaya’s book, Billy the Kid and other plays, that include Who Killed Don Jose? will be given away during two of the eight performances at random for a two dollar per person donation.
Recently Anaya has published his latest children’s illustrated book. OWL IN A STRAW HAT. “It’s about a little owl (his name is Ollie Tecolote) who plays with friends instead of going to school. When his parents find out he can’t read they send him to study with his grandma in Chimayo, New Mexico. His grandma gives him a farmer’s straw hat that belonged to his Grandpa. Along the way Ollie meets Gloria la Zorra, Trickster Coyote, and Luis Lobo. Because Ollie can’t read they trick him out of his taco money. It’s bilingual with fantastic illustrations by El Moises.” stated Anaya. His newest novel, CHUPACABRA MEETS BILLY THE KID, will be published spring of 2018. “My main character, Rosa, meets Billy the Kid and is transported through a wormhole back to 1878. Lots of adventure plus history of the times. (University of Oklahoma Press)” added Mr. Anaya.
“Who Killed Don Jose? is a two act comedy, murder mystery that the whole family will enjoy. The play is set in beautiful, northern NM in the early 80’s. The rating is equivalent to a PG movie,” said Garcia. “Eight wonderful, local actors comprise the cast and have been in rehearsals for nearly 8 weeks. They are learning a lot about acting and doing a fine job as well as our costume designer Laura S. Sanchez Martinez and stage manager, Antonio Martinez. The special backdrop paintings are by local artist Marco Govea.
The play runs from September 21, 2107 through October 1, 2017 (8 shows) at Pharr Community Theater, 213 W Newcombe Ave, Pharr TX. Showtimes are Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 3:00 pm. Tickets are only $8.00 general admission, $5.00 senior citizens, Military and students with I.D. Our intimate theater seats 60 persons at a time and tickets will go on sale one hour before curtain at the theater on a first come first serve bases.
For more information please call 956-239-0412 or 956-655-9308.
