On the Wings of a Mariposa
by Alvaro Saar Rios, Barbara Joosse, Dinorah Márquez Abadiano

On the Wings of a Mariposa Book Cover — On the Wings of a Mariposa Cover

Highlights

Female

Male

60 mins Present Day Role(s) for Latine Actor(s) Features Children Roles for Children Unit Set/Multiple Settings Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes

Synopsis

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.

Press Reviews

"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

Characters

Character	Gender	Age	Description
Mami Pilar’s mother, Latina	female	—	Pilar’s mother, Latina
Pilar 10 to 11, Latina	—	10-11	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	—	12-13	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	—	9-10	9 to 10, Pilar’s friend, Latino, can also play a MARIPOSA in the opening scene
Las Mariposas Can also play LOS MONSTRUOS	—	—	Can also play LOS MONSTRUOS
Ratón A mouse, puppet	—	—	A mouse, puppet
Los Monstruos	—	—	—
Abuelita Pilar’s grandmother, Latina	—	—	Pilar’s grandmother, Latina