Bocon!

Bocon! is a fable filled with humor and mysticism and song, tells the story of twelve-year-old Miguel who flees a repressive military regime in Central America for Los Angeles

A natural storyteller and irrepressible "big mouth" or bocón, Miguel loses his voice when his parents are taken and begins a metaphorical journey north to the City of Angels

Along the way he meets up with an unusual traveling companion, La Llorona, the legendary "Weeping Woman" of Mexican and Central American mythology

Through their magical friendship, Miguel finds his voice and the courage to cross the border to a new life

Miguel's story is relevant to immigrant children from all parts of the world ... and to any child who is learning the many meanings of finding one's own "voice"

A live musician usually accompanies the piece

One flexible set, runs about 55 minutes

The original production had a lot of taped music with a distinctly Latin feel and there was a live musician with a variety of ethnic and percussion instruments underscoring and accenting moment throughout the play

Public Domain or original music may be used to for these purposes instead

CAST: 6 actors, with doubling - flexible

REVIEWS

"An important piece of knowledge that the students took away from the production was how to implement humor and comedic timing in a play whose content is quite dark, but whose text lends to moments of laughter and release" ~ Alison McCarthy, Apollinaire Theatre Company, Chelsea, Mass

"This is a wonderful show with wide audience appeal. I have learned so much about my students while working on this production. They also have learned a lot about their families and where they "are from". I would recommend this show to anyone who is looking for a way to connect their students to their heritage and the world around them. Thank you for helping our students find their voice" ~Jennifer Brockette, Jack E. Singley Academy, Irving, Texas

"Wonderful and moving show! Our elementary school students where moved by the story."Review by Jesus Alvarez, Monte Vista Elementary School, Phoenix, Ariz."¡Bocón!, skillfully handles the subject of immigration through the fantasy life of the main character, Miguel. This is a piece that has open ended opportunities for creative story telling and ensemble building " ~ Mary Nickles, Montessori School of Anderson, Anderson, S.C.

"Wonderful opportunity for enjoyment and discussion in areas struggling with Hispanic members versus mainstream. Hispanic audiences glimpse themselves onstage and mainstream ones thrill at the fantasy, follow the Spanish words, and learn fresh insight" ~ Amber Peoples, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, Wash

"The students had a great time with the play. Being from South Texas, they were able to identify with characters and situations. Bocon! is funny, sad, and everything in between. Many were stunned that our middle school performed the play; they thought it to be too difficult" ~ John Rodriguez, Antonio Gonzales Middle School, Laredo, Texas