Hare and Tortoise
By Brendan Murray
Most enjoyed by PreK- 3rd grade
Field Trip: Weekdays February 3- March 6
M, T, Th, F- 9:30 am or 11:30 am
W- 10:30 am
Location: Herberger Theater Center - Stage West
Price: $15 per person, Field Trip Plus: $18 per student
Runtime: 60 minutes, including talkback.
Tomás Rivera travels with his Amá, his Apá, his Grandfather, Papá
Grande, and his little brother Enrique from Crystal City, Texas, all the
way to Hampton, Iowa, to find work picking corn, spinach and beets.
Tomás is haunted by memories of a teacher in his Texas school who
punished him for speaking Spanish. His parents are worried about him,
but reassure him that he is smart and talented, and that his Papá
Grande thinks he will become a writer or a painter some day.
When the Riveras arrive in Iowa, they discover that their new home is
little more than a chicken coop. But the family carries on, getting
occasional treats like pan dulce, (sweet bread) and listening to Apá
Grande’s stories. One day Tomás’ Amá sends him to the post office,
and he discovers the Carnegie Library next door. The Library Lady
invites him in and introduces Tomás to books about anything and
everything he can possibly imagine. Tomás enthusiastically shares the
new stories that he has found with his family, and he and his brother
Enrique find other books in the town dump. Tomás teaches the Library
Lady some Spanish, while he becomes more confident in English and
realizes that he doesn’t need to be afraid of the Nightmare Teacher any
longer. Then comes the day when Tomás comes to visit the library with
his Papá Grande and tells her that he must teach her a sad word in
Spanish: Adiós.
Tomás Rivera grew up to become the father of Chicano literature, as
well as the Chancellor of the University of California at Riverside. The
library there bears the name of the boy who was encouraged to read
by a library lady in Iowa.
Based on the true story of Tomás Rivera and the book by Pat Mora,
this play is a celebration of reading, imagination and creativit
Hare always rushes ahead, eager for what is next, while Tortoise moves steadily, noticing the world around them. As seasons change- planting in the spring, playing in summer, harvesting in the fall, and resting in winter- these two unlikely friends learn that time isn't about moving fast. It's about change, patience, and experiencing life along the way.
This warm and engaging adaptation of Aesop's Fable uses music, movement, and humor to explore what it means to grow, learn, and embrace your own pace. With rich storytelling and lively visuals, Hare & Tortoise celebrates friendship, perseverance, and the importance of slowing down to appreciate each moment.
Book Field Trip
Big Idea: Finding your Own Pace
Questions?
Contact Us at CEducation@childsplayaz.org
Interested in Field Trip PLUS?
"Plus up" your field trip experience and extend your learning with interactive drama activities connected to the themes of the show! Field Trip Plus workshops are $3 per student. Want to learn more? Contact Ceducation@childsplayaz.org.
Field-trip discounted ticket prices are underwritten by Cheryl Mandala.
