The Great Race by Hebert Poll Gutiérrez

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Regular price $14.00
The Great Race by Hebert Poll Gutiérrez

Due to a terrible argument,
there’s a fire in the forest.
The characters in this story
never agree with each other.
Awa the duck and Akiko the roster doesn’t get along. Their silly feathered fight has lasted too long, affecting the animals of the forest, the Ibo Findo. They only have one solution left...
The protagonists of this story are animals with afro-descendant names. Expecting what must happen, it’s necessary to ask for help from the Afro-Cuban gods. Between fights and a bit of love, time passes until the day of the Great Race.
The play is based on traditional Afro-Cuban legend, but it is not a 100 percent reproduction of this legend. The author decided to adapt this legend to contemporary contexts to be understood by children, young people, and adults who sometimes behave like children.
The play is not a historical tale of the past but a modern cultural strategy to share and preserve the Afro-Cuban identity. The piece is full of contemporary nods and humor, starring divine beings (orishas) who live happily contaminated by the imperfections of human beings.

Keywords: AFROCUBAN, THEATER, ANIMALS, IDENTITY

Genre: Comedy
Acts: 1
Run time: 30 minutes
Suitable for students 10+

Cast size: 7 actors
Male roles: 4
Female roles: 3
Trans/Non-Binary/Gender Non-Conforming roles: 2
Casting note: The play is designed for a doubled cast. The intent of the playwright is to feature casts of diverse races. The playwright also encourages the inclusion of artists from the LGBTQ+ community.

Casting breakdown:
Awá: A very self-confident duck. He loves discussing and competing in the extreme. He is the son of Yemayá, the sea goddess. His colors are blue and white.
Akiko: The most popular rooster in the forest. He is powerful, determined, and hates being a loser. His father is Changó, the Thunder and Music God. His favorite colors are red and white.
Akeké : He is a brave little chick. He likes to observe before talking. Son of Ellegwá, owner and protector of all paths.
Long Tongue. Com: A long, skinny snake who hates to work. She is a specialist in twisting everything around.
Awemá: Wise lizard. She is very white because she forgot how to change color. Obatalá, the owner of peace and queen of all Afro-Cuban gods, is her mother.
Sports announcer: He is a very talkative and energetic blue wolf. Loves to narrate sports. He is the best reporter in the forest.
CD RW: One of the most popular characters in the world. His mission is to have many friends, whether they play PlayStation or not. IE is his stage name to conquer his followers on social networks.
Receptionist
Voice Over 1
Voice Over 2
Voice Over 3