About the Play:

¡Bocón! is a full-length comedic drama by Lisa Loomer. The play follows Miguel, a big-mouthed boy on a magical and treacherous journey from his home in Central America across the border of lights into the United States. With his guitar in hand, a Quetzal feather to protect him, and the unlikely friendship of La Llorona, Miguel inspires audiences of all ages to find their voice and to tell their unique story proudly. Especially recommended for school and contest use.

¡Bocón! (loosely translated as "big mouth") is a fable filled with humour and mysticism and song, which tells the story of 12-year-old Miguel who flees a repressive military regime somewhere in Central America at a time of war when speaking out and speaking up are very dangerous things. A natural storyteller who is known as a bocón or "big mouth," Miguel loses his voice after witnessing soldiers arrest his parents and begins a metaphorical journey north to the City of Angels. Will he make it to Los Angeles? Will he find a way to tell his story and make people hear? Along the way he meets up with an unusual travelling companion, La Llorona, the legendary "Weeping Woman" of Mexican and Central American mythology. Through their magical friendship, Miguel finds his voice and the courage to cross the border to a new life. Miguel's story is relevant to immigrant children from all parts of the world … and to any child who is learning the many meanings of finding one's own "voice." ¡Bocón! is written to be understood in both English and Spanish. Despite the gravity of Miguel's situation and the heaviness surrounding the themes of immigration and loss, ¡Bocón! is a story is filled with heartwarming and humorous moments, reminding us that courage, hope and friendship exist in even the most challenging times.

¡Bocón! premiered in 1989 at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles and has been seen throughout the US, from the Kennedy Center, to Seattle's Group Theater and the La Jolla Playhouse, as well as in Germany, Alaska, and Mexico. The play is regularly performed in regional, middle school, high school, college, and community theatre productions.

Cast: 6 actors, with doubling. Flexible.

What people say:

"Bocón! is a children's play...but playwright Lisa Loomer offers so much for the adult mind to ponder. It would certainly be a shame to think that you can only see the show if you drag a kid along...the depth of Loomer's writing makes it more of an adult show suitable for the whole family." — Chicago Reader

"¡Bocón!, skillfully handles the subject of immigration through the fantasy life of the main character, Miguel. This is a piece that has open ended opportunities for creative story telling and ensemble building." — Mary Nickles, Montessori School of Anderson, Anderson, S.C.

"Wonderful opportunity for enjoyment and discussion in areas struggling with Hispanic members versus mainstream. Hispanic audiences glimpse themselves onstage and mainstream ones thrill at the fantasy, follow the Spanish words, and learn fresh insight." — Amber Peoples, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, Wash.

"The students had a great time with the play. Being from South Texas, they were able to identify with characters and situations. Bocon! is funny, sad, and everything in between. Many were stunned that our middle school performed the play; they thought it to be too difficult." — John Rodriguez, Antonio Gonzales Middle School, Laredo, Texas

About the Playwright:

Lisa Loomer is an American playwright and screenwriter of Spanish and Romanian ancestry who has also worked as an actress and stand-up comic. She is best known for her plays The Waiting Room and Living Out, which are taught in university drama programs, Women's Studies programs, and Latino Studies programs. She was twice nominated for a Pulitzer and also has received an Imagen Award for positive portrayals of Latinos in all media.