Playwright Shares His Vision: “American Pastorela: The Trumpifornication Tour”

By Carla León

The satirical play pigeonholed as social justice theater, American Pastorela: The Trumpifornication Tour, has one responsibility— make you laugh. And no, it is not just about Trump. He is just the hook.

“The play has a lot of what’s happening in our communities with regards to the issues that are rooted in the changing demographics in this country: It is about immigration, Latino political clout, gay marriage and African Americans and how they are being treated,” says James Garcia, playwright, producer, editorialist and community leader.

Photo Credit: Phil Soto

Since 2006, Garcia has done versions of this play year after year. He understands the risk behind it and he knows that there are expectations; but due to the nature of parody, the content needs to be somewhat real and relatable.

“Satire has to be rooted in reality because it is always an exaggeration, it is a comedy of course, but it is an exaggeration of reality and it can’t be completely disconnected,” says Garcia. “Otherwise, it doesn’t work on a comedic level.”

Photo Credit: Phil Soto

He explains that a lot of the play is re-written, but there are a few scenes that are kept intact. “Some of the stuff that will be coming out of the Trump character’s mouth in this play, ‘he’s’ never actually said – but we all believe he is thinking them,” says Garcia. “What does he say when the cameras are not on?”

Garcia’s primary mission and responsibility is for it to be funny. “I hope we find a way to maybe try to laugh in this phase of impeding tragedy,” says Garcia.

He explains that theater is a collective experience and the 20 plus people involved in the production of this show bring clarity and value to the script. “The only way I am going to get people to hear this words is if I have talented actors delivering the lines,” says Garcia. “In some ways, this piece allows us to crawl into the mind of Donald Trump.”

The play will run from October 27 to November 6. Click here for more information, or to buy tickets.