A PLAYSCRIPTS TITLE

On the Wings of a Mariposa

Full-Length Play, Drama  /  4w, 1m, 5 any gender (youth)

By Alvaro Saar Rios
Music and Lyrics by Dinorah Márquez Abadiano

Based on Ghost Wings by Barbara Joosse

Based on Barbara Joosse’s beloved children book, On the Wings of a Mariposa is a story about one girl’s quest to keep her abuelita’s memory alive, set during the beautiful annual monarch butterfly migration.

On the Wings of a Mariposa

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    4w, 1m, 5 any gender (youth)
  • Duration
    Duration
    60 minutes (1 hour)
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Adaptation (Literature), Theatre for Young Audiences
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Appropriate for All Audiences

Details

Summary

Based on Barbara Joosse’s beloved children book, On the Wings of a Mariposa is a story about one girl’s quest to keep her abuelita’s memory alive set during the beautiful annual monarch butterfly migration. After her abuelita dies, ten-year-old Pilar uses an old shawl that smells like her grandmother to help her remember their adventures together. One whiff reminds her of the two of them making tortillas or visiting a special forest known as El Círculo Magico where her abuelita would converse with wildlife. But as the shawl’s scent fades, so too do Pilar’s memories. Once it’s gone, will she lose her grandmother forever? This play with music is a true celebration of life and bursts at the seams with warm memories and joy.

History

On the Wings of a Mariposa premired in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with FirstStage on 18 October 2019. 

Keywords
Performing Groups

ABUELITA – Pilar’s grandmother, Latina
MAMI – Pilar’s mother, Latina
PILAR – 10 to 11, Latina
AMPARO – 12 to 13, Pilar’s friend, Latina or non-Latina person of color, can also play a MARIPOSA in the opening scene
RAMIRO – 9 to 10, Pilar’s friend, Latino, can also play a MARIPOSA in the opening scene
LAS MARIPOSAS – Can also play LOS MONSTRUOS
RATÓN – A  mouse, puppet
LOS MONSTRUOS

The character of Ramiro can also be played by a female but the character’s name and pronouns should remain male.

  • Time Period Contemporary, Present Day
  • Setting

    A small town in central Mexico, near a forest called the Magic Circle. Now.

  • Features Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes
  • Additional Features No Intermission, Play with Music
  • Duration 60 minutes (1 hour)

Media

“A gorgeous tribute to Mexican culture.” – OnMilwaukee

“It’s not an adult or children’s play, but instead a touching story about grief and remembrance that speaks to all ages.” – Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Videos

  • On the Wings of a Mariposa – FirstStage Trailer youtube thumbnail

    On the Wings of a Mariposa – FirstStage Trailer

  • On the Wings of a Mariposa – From the Creators youtube thumbnail

    On the Wings of a Mariposa – From the Creators

  • An Interview with Alvaro Saar Rios – The Scene Podcast youtube thumbnail

    An Interview with Alvaro Saar Rios – The Scene Podcast

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £55 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

Scripts

Available Formats:
Get the Script

Authors

Alvaro Saar Rios

Alvaro Saar Rios
Alvaro Saar Rios is a Texican playwright and educator living in Chicago. His plays have been performed in New York City, Mexico City, Hawaii, Chicago, St. Louis, Milwaukee, and all over Texas. He has received playwriting commissions from various organizations, including Kenne ...
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Author
Dinorah Márquez Abadiano

Dinorah Márquez Abadiano
Dinorah Márquez Abadiano was born in Mexico City, Dinorah emigrated to the U.S. at the age of 10, when she began her musical studies. Although she continued her musical activities throughout college, Ms. Márquez received a degree in American Studies at Northwestern University ...
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