Christmas miracle play told in Spanish

The Tayrona Theater Company will perform the Christmas play "La Gran Posada" in Spanish at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Winchester Cultural Center Theater, 3130 S. McLeod Drive.

General admission is $7; $5 for seniors, students with proper identification and children younger than 12. Tickets for "La Gran Posada" are available at the center. For further details, call 455-7340.

"La Gran Posada" is a "pastorela," a traditional play that takes place in a pastoral or countryside setting and is about "pastores" or shepherds. Pastorelas developed in Mexico from European miracle plays, which were introduced into Mexico in the 1500s. The Mexican tradition of pastorelas brings a message of love and togetherness during the holiday season.

This particular play tells the story of Joseph and Mary as they search for an inn or "posada" in Bethlehem. This year's play is a continuation of the traditional story written by Mexican playwright Fernando Martinez and is a humorous presentation of the triumph of good over evil. The production also highlights customs of the Mexican regions of Monterrey, Michoacán and Nuevo Leon.

This is the third year Tayrona Theater Company has presented the play, and the cast is made up of 30 performers, including many children.