Érase una vez… ¡Y dos son tres! — or Once Upon a Time… And Two Are Three!) — is a collection of folktales from cultures of Spain, Pre-Columbian America, and Africa. The tales blend history, myth, music, dancing, and spirit to showcase the heritage of ancient stories passed to generations through the ages. The four enchanting stories include messages of care and cunning, strength, friendship, and love. The bilingual performances enhance the experience with clarity and authenticity for both English and Spanish speakers.
Four ensemble players scurry along the castle-looking set — great design by Jade Rivas — and perform roles of enchanted maidens, brave princes, ferocious animals, and everything in between. The stories show the importance of respect for one’s heritage and comradery to help each other along the way. One ingenious fellow encounters large wild animals on his journey that turn into stuffed toys that he can pack away and retrieve as needed. In another, the colors of a rainbow emerge as scarves from inside a young girl in her loving tribute to the earth and loved ones. And then, of course, there’s lots of imagination and even bits of magic throughout as the tales reach back 500 years to Pre-Columbian times when the performers relayed stories of artistry and fortitude. The cast members even carry a hand-sized cut-out replica of a large sail vessel and blue waves of water across the stage to show the voyage from Spain to the Americas. The lithe performers share stories through joyful songs and poetry and end with rousing drumbeats, bringing everyone on their feet to join in.
This U.S. premiere by noted Dominican Republic playwright Manuel Chapuseaux is being featured as part of GALita, an educational arm of GALA:
Since 1980, GALita has produced bilingual children’s theater that inspires a sense of joy, discovery, pride, and identity in our community’s children ages 4 to 12. GALita presents new works and adaptations based on classic Latin American and Hispanic literature.
Érase una vez… ¡Y dos son tres! is a stunning bilingual treat for families to enjoy and learn and share fun-filled cultural stories — together.
Running Time: 50 minutes with no intermission.
Érase una vez… ¡Y dos son tres! (Once Upon a Time… And Two Are Three!) plays through March 29, 2025 (Mondays through Fridays at 10:30 am and Saturdays at 3 pm), at GALA Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th Street NW, Washington, DC. Purchase tickets online. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for children. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit galatheatre.org or call (202) 234-7174. Tickets are also available on TodayTix.
This bilingual show is appropriate for all ages, aged 5 and up.
The playbill can be downloaded here (scroll down).
COVID Safety: All performances are mask-optional. See GALA’s complete COVID-19 Safety Policy.
Érase una vez… ¡Y dos son tres! (Once Upon a Time… And Two Are Three!)
By Manuel Chapuseaux
CAST
Delbis Cardona, Rodin Ruiz, Belén Tarifa, Doménica Pratt
CREATIVE DESIGN TEAM
Director: Esteban Marmolejo-Suárez
English Translation: Heather McKay
Scenic Design: Matt Liptak
Costume Design: Rukiya Henry Fields
Lighting & Projections Design: Arthur Kohn,
Puppet Styling: Genna Beth Davidson,
Sound Design: Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola
Properties Design: Tessa Grippaudo.
Stage Manager: Grace Rodríguez
Technical Director: Matty Griffith
Production Manager: Ilyana Rose-Dávila
Company Manager: Camilo Montoya
