Los Pastores – virtual and more

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COURTESY PHOTOS

Los Pastores survives despite pandemic

BY KATHRYN ‘KATHY’ CÓRDOVA

The COVID-19 pandemic certainly altered local Christmas traditions over the past year or so. Los Pastores, the annual Christmas drama production, remains one of the local casualties of this situation. Instead of the accustomed live performances in various communities, the cast celebrated last year’s tradition virtually.

This year, the 40th anniversary of Los Pastores, also involves planning for two separate eventualities: a spike in COVID-19 cases requiring social distancing; or a living tribute with fewer cases amid a safer environment.

“The fact that we don’t give up is a tribute to the dedication and resilience of the participants of this event,” said Los Pastores director and native Taoseña Theresa “Tessa” Córdova, Ph.D. “We view the 40th anniversary of our involvement as a means of cultural preservation and the reason for the season,” she added. Regardless the health and environmental issues, the storyline of this ancient morality play remains the same. Los Pastores shares the shepherds’ search for the newborn Christ Child, Mary and Joseph. On the search, they bring along their human habits and frailties.

For example, the hermit Bartolo, who constantly prays in the mountains, exhibits his weakness for pretty women and meat stolen from the camp during his time of fasting. Lazy Bartolo refuses to help with the chores in the camp, instead wishing to sleep most of the time.

The shepherds struggle to maintain a positive spirit during freezing weather conditions. As if all this isn’t enough, Lucifer appears at the camp. The devil presents temptations to the shepherds, adding more conflict to the journey.

A special scene includes a battle between Michael the Archangel and Lucifer, representing the battle between good and evil. In the play, the angel prevails, illustrating that good wins. The shepherds eventually receive a reward for their perseverance. They locate the Holy Family and celebrate with a musical tribute, thereby serenading Baby Jesus and everyone present.

The cast uses the Middle Ages script provided by Aurora Lucero White. Hundreds of years ago, many members of the public couldn’t read, so church leaders shared lessons of faith via drama productions. Los Pastores remains an example of this type of activity.

Regarding the milestone of the 40th anniversary of the cast’s production, Dr. Córdova related that the majority of the cast remains the same throughout the years, advancing to larger roles at opportune times.

Unfortunately, some cast members have passed away – one of those people includes Tessa’s father, Arsenio Córdova, who portrayed Bartolo and directed the play for 38 years – part of those years codirecting with daughter Tessa.

The most recent loss includes Juanita Malouff Dominguez who joined the cast in the 1980s and who portrayed a shepherd and later Lucifer for many years. Last year’s virtual production featured Malouff Dominguez’s last interview on the subject of Los Pastores. “The pandemic is quite unpredictable right now,” Dr. Córdova said. “We never know if numbers of affected people will rise or decline, so we must be flexible when planning the production. Right now, we’re hoping for a virtual production and one live performance, but that remains to be seen.” Newcomers are always welcome to the cast, she added.

As of press time, exact details of the plans for the production remain unclear. Taos News will publish more current information as it becomes available.

For more information, see Las Pistoleras Instituto Cultural de Arte Facebook; and Colorado College links at coloradocollege.edu/academics/dept/southweststudies and facebook.com/groups/HulbertSWS.

1. The late Arsenio Córdova as Lazy Bartolo the Hermit. 2. Maxine Bustos (left) with Tessa Córdova prepare for Los Pastores past. 3. Arsenio Córdova as Bartolo addresses an audience about Los Pastores. 4. Lazy Hermit Bartolo greets the Holy Family at a scene from a past event at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. 5. The late Juanita Dominguez as Lucifer, attaching Jerry Padilla, the late, great spanish editor of Taos News.