Las Nuevas Tamaleras: A San Antonio Play Celebrating Tamale Tradition
Laughter and Legacy: San Antonio play Celebrates teh Chaos and Charm of tamalada Tradition
San Antonio, TX – for many Mexican-american families, the annual tamalada is more than just a holiday tradition; it’s a vibrant tapestry woven wiht laughter, love, and generations of shared stories. Playwright and actress Alicia Mena captures the essence of this cherished ritual in her heartwarming comedy,”Las nuevas Tamaleras,” a San Antonio staple since 1993.
The play follows three friends, Silvia, Josie, and Patsy, as they embark on their frist tamalada, navigating the complexities of masa, hojas, and the ever-present opinions of Doña Mercedes and Doña Juanita, two seasoned tamaleras whose spirits offer a generous helping of advice (and sometimes, criticism).
Mena, who grew up in Brownsville, draws inspiration from her own childhood memories of her mother’s bustling kitchen on christmas Eve. “For years, I would only have two tamales a year: one fresh out of the steamer, and then the next one on Christmas morning, toasted on the comal in the husk, and then with salsa, tomatoes, lettuce, and onion on top,” she recalls.
The loss of her mother sparked a realization: these cherished family customs and rituals, like the art of making tamales, could easily fade away. “It had never occurred to me that I wouldn’t always have access to certain parts of my culture,” Mena says.The idea for “Las nuevas Tamaleras” blossomed from a comical kitchen mishap while Mena was preparing tamales for a visiting theater troupe. “I came back from the stove over to the table where I’d left my friend tending the masa, and I saw her on top of the table,” she laughs. “I swear in that moment, it’s like I heard the voice of my mother saying a not-very-nice word.”
This humorous anecdote, coupled with Mena’s desire to honor her cultural heritage, gave birth to the play. “Comedy was the best way to express this in my voice,” she explains.
Each character in “Las Nuevas Tamaleras” is a unique blend of generational experiences and South Texas charm,reflecting the diverse voices and phrases Mena grew up hearing. “It was very crucial for me to keep the voices and phrases that I grew up hearing around the neighborhood, and to recreate that,” she says.
“Las Nuevas Tamaleras” is more than just a play; it’s a celebration of family, tradition, and the enduring power of laughter. It reminds us that even amidst the chaos of the kitchen, the warmth of shared memories and the love of family create a truly unforgettable experience.
Laughter and Love Fill the Stage in Heartwarming Holiday Play “Tamaladas”
Chicago, IL – The aroma of warm spices and laughter fills the air as “Tamaladas,” a heartwarming new play about family, tradition, and the magic of tamale-making, takes the stage.
The play centers around three generations of women, each with their own unique approach to the beloved holiday tradition. There’s the matriarch, the organizer who strives for kitchen perfection; the helpful one, more likely to be found with a beer in hand; and the younger generation, bringing fresh ideas to the table.
“It’s almost like the three stooges,” laughs actress Maria Mena,who plays Doña Mercedes,a character who only speaks Spanish and frequently enough steals the show with her witty remarks. “There’s conflict between them as they all have different ideas of how to approach this, but this is about making tamales, and keeping something alive. It’s about love.”
Doña Mercedes’s lines, delivered with Mena’s impeccable comedic timing, often elicit the biggest laughs from the audience. In one scene, as the trio gets caught up in gossip, they ask, “What’s that smell?” Doña Mercedes quips back, “Es la manteca, pendejas!”
But beneath the humor lies a deeper message.Mena emphasizes the importance of cherishing traditions and appreciating the women who have passed them down. “The most importent part to me was that I express a feeling that seems to have been understood by so many people who watch the play: please don’t let go of these things, and appreciate them,” she says. “It feels like that message connected with people, so that’s very gratifying.”
By the play’s end, the women raise a toast to their mothers, aunts, and grandmothers – the women who shaped their lives and filled their tables with warm tamales each Christmas. “I think that’s what keeps people coming back to the show,” Mena says. “They have this memory of the tamaladas they had as kids, what their grandma’s recipes tasted like, and you just can’t replace that.”
“Tamaladas” is a delightful reminder of the power of family,tradition,and the simple joy of sharing a meal together.
Laughter and legacy: An Interview with Alicia Mena on “Las Nuevas Tamaleras”
NewsDirectory3.com: Since 1993,”las Nuevas Tamaleras” has delighted audiences across San Antonio,offering a heartwarming glimpse into the chaotic charm of the tamalada tradition. We’re thrilled to speak with playwright and actress Alicia Mena about her enduring tribute to this cherished Mexican-American custom.
Alicia Mena: Thank you for having me. It’s always a joy to talk about “Las Nuevas Tamaleras” and share the magic of the tamalada with a wider audience.
NewsDirectory3.com: The play beautifully captures the laughter,love,and generational stories that unfold during a tamalada. What inspired you to write this heartwarming comedy?
Alicia Mena: Growing up in Brownsville, the annual tamalada was more than just a food-making event. It was a kaleidoscope of family, friends, and neighbors coming together. My mother’s kitchen would transform into a vibrant space buzzing with chatter, music, and the rhythmic thump of tortillas being patted.those experiences, filled with its own unique joys and challenges, became the foundation for “Las Nuevas Tamaleras.”
NewsDirectory3.com: The play centers around three friends, silvia, Josie, and Patsy, taking their frist steps into the tamalada world. How did you develop these characters and the dynamics between them?
Alicia Mena: Each character is a reflection of different aspects of the tamalada experience.Silvia, the driven achiever, represents the modern take on tradition. Josie, the free-spirited artist, brings the elements of creativity and chaos. And Patsy,the grounded pragmatist,reminds us of the importance of family and heritage. Their individual journeys and the interactions between them explore the hilarity and heart that come with navigating this special tradition.
NewsDirectory3.com: The presence of Doña mercedes and Doña Juanita, the experienced tamaleras, adds a layer of wisdom and humor to the play. What role do they play in shaping the experience of the newer generation?
Alicia Mena: Doña Mercedes and Doña Juanita are the heart and soul of the tamalada.
They are the keepers of knowledge, dispensing advice and anecdotes with a generous dose of humor and criticism. their roles represent the invaluable legacy passed down from generation to generation, subtly reminding us of the importance of honoring tradition while embracing change.
NewsDirectory3.com: “Las Nuevas Tamaleras” has been entertaining audiences for nearly three decades. What do you think continues to resonate with viewers year after year?
Alicia Mena: I believe the play’s enduring appeal lies in its honesty and its celebration of family, community, and cultural heritage. The tamalada is a worldwide experience that transcends cultural boundaries, and “Las Nuevas Tamaleras” speaks to the universal themes of love, laughter, and the importance of tradition in our lives.
NewsDirectory3.com: For those unfamiliar with the tamalada tradition, what would you say is the single most notable thing to understand about it?
Alicia Mena: It’s not just about the food. The tamalada is about connection – connecting with family and friends, connecting with our cultural heritage, and connecting with the generations that came before us. It’s a celebration of life, laughter, and love, all wrapped up in a appetizing package.
NewsDirectory3.com: thank you,Alicia,for sharing your insights and bringing the magic of the tamalada to life thru your work.
Alicia Mena: My pleasure. I encourage everyone to experience “Las Nuevas Tamaleras” and discover the joy and heart of this beloved tradition.