Photographs by Mike Bell, Michele Bell & Fco. Nava
As is the case with most wonderful things in this existence, our puppet theatre started as a playful idea between friends. Izel, Coyolli and I were playing with discarded puppets they had been gifted from a theatre in Guadalajara. We said "wouldn't it be wonderful to put on a performance?" And here we are, 2 years later...opening with the world premiere of Ehécatl.
El Jaguar meets Ehécatl
Local artist, Julie Mignard, was brought in to paint the faces of the players
Our performance would not be complete without Fabiola, Coyolli and Izel
Co-Producer Enaj with Vocational and Fundraising Committee Member, Leslie Kingsbury
Coyolli's River/Snake was a hit!
Working hard...Mike Bell and Kristina Trejo rehearse. Our live musical accompaniment was integral to the heart of the play
Our bartending crew: Jose, Arturo y Juan
Our beautiful and so delicious food was catered by Ruben Olivares Valdivinos of Chapala
Friends gathered and met new friends
Julianna Rose peopled our Butterflies en Mexico information table
The musical stylings of Kristina Trejo were heard throughout the afternoon
Mike Bell and Mac Whyte take a moment to connect
As Tlaloc sleeps, Ehécatl tries to wake him
Ruben Olivares' staff could not have been better (or cuter)!
Patrice Haydel holds court on the terraza
As in all great tales, they lived happily everafter
Bliss
Our crew takes a breather
Stephany Andrews greets our guests with a smile
The house was full and attentive
Our guest with Michele Bell, photographer
At the end, we took a moment to toast, reflect...
...and to celebrate
Mike Bell and Bernadine Jantzen take a selfie
Even the Escuincle took a bow
Our videographer, Mike Bell
The house (chapel) fills for the performance
Visiting friend, Michele with colleague Jennifer Stanley
The ladies of the terraza
Jennifer and Francisco have a moment
Brad Mowers and Bernadine Jantzen reconnect
Upah!
The girls take a break
The beautiful estate of Leslie Martin was our backdrop
Dear friends Fco. and Cynthia Du Bois
Bernadine explains to our Restaurant Apprentice, Juan one of our
other Butterflies en Mexico programs
Hostess Leslie Martin and friends
Ruben Olivares and his staff took over the kitchen and created magically beautiful and delicious food
As with all wonderful tales, the ending was a happy one.
We'd like to thank our generous hostess Leslie Martin for the use of her chapel and lovely home, Enaj L'Hommedieu, all the volunteers for their undying energy and attention, our Butterflies en Mexico, A.C. committee members, our vendors Ruben Olivares Valdivinos, Paz Liquor, our bartenders, valets &
Kristina Trejo.
Talent
Voices:
LB Hamilton, Dana Douin
Leslie Martn, Fco. Nava
Players:
Abril Iñiguez, Fabiola Paz, Izel Paz
Coyolli Paz, Fco. Nava
Music:
Kristina Trejo
Paper Art:
Ana Ceja Reyes
And lastly, we'd like to thank all of you for joining us on our journey towards making this beautiful place even better!
It truly does take a village and we live in a most amazing and magical one.
Gracias.
💜
Note: The Teatro CoyolliIzel will be heading out on the road to bring Ehécatl and new works in Spanish to the towns around Lake Chapala, free of charge.
Look for our next production, based on the theme of Water, around town.
