“Without a voice you have no story…
Without a voice
you disappear.”
The Illinois State University School of Theatre and Dance will present Lisa Loomer’s ¡Bocón! (The Big Mouth), opening March 25, 2016. Performances will be held in Westhoff Theatre, and will run through April 2.
This play is an imaginative fable for the whole family, interweaving fantasy with humor and song. When the parents of a Central American boy named Miguel are “disappeared” for speaking too loudly against the repressive military regime of the village, fear takes Miguel’s own voice. Miguel sets out on a quest, traveling to Los Angeles to find a better life and re-establish his identity in a new land. Along the way he encounters dangers, surprises, ghosts and tricksters. The play is enjoyable for children and adults alike—adventure, magic, and music take the stage to create a collage of culture, mysticism, and social justice. Miguel’s journey seems especially relevant today, when the status of immigrant children looms large in our national conversation.
Cyndee Brown is excited to direct ¡Bocón! (The Big Mouth).
“This magical play tells us something important about courage and resilience,” Brown said. “We are reminded that all of us, everywhere, need to be able to speak freely and share our stories!”
¡Bocón! (The Big Mouth) will be presented March 25, 26, 29, 30, 31 and April 1–2 with performances at 7:30 p.m. All performances will take place in Westhoff Theatre, located at the corner of School and Beaufort streets.
For tickets or information, contact Illinois State’s Center for the Performing Arts Box Office, open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, at (309) 438-2535, or purchase tickets online by visiting ticketmaster.com. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Performance parking is available for free in the School Street Parking Deck, 400 W. Beaufort Street, Normal.
