World Premiere of “Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote” Brings Duncan Tonatiuh’s Beloved Book to Life through Puppetry
Sept. 17 through Oct. 20, 2024
ATLANTA (August 2024) – 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.
“I’m very excited to see the play. It is a great honor to have my work adapted,” Tonatiuh said. “It is very rewarding to see that other creatives connected with my work and transformed it into a play. The puppets look amazing, and I can’t wait to see the performance and listen to all the live music.”
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., 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.
Center for Puppetry Arts® is a unique cultural treasure – a magical place where children and adults are educated, enlightened, and entertained. Since 1978, the Center has introduced millions of visitors to the wonder and art of puppetry and has touched the lives of many through enchanting performances, curriculum-based workshops, and the hands-on Museum as well as Digital Learning and Outreach programs. Center for Puppetry Arts is a non-profit, 501(c) (3) organization and is supported in part by contributions from corporations, foundations, government agencies, and individuals. Major funding is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners and the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. These programs are also supported in part by the Georgia Council for the Arts through the appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly. GCA is a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. The Center is a member of Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA/USA/ASSITEJ). The Center also serves as the headquarters of UNIMA-USA, the American branch of Union Internationale de la Marionnette, the international puppetry organization.