Aztecs on Stage: Religious Theater in Colonial Mexico - by Louise M. Burkhart
Nahuatl drama, one of the most surprising results of the Catholic presence in colonial Mexico, merges medieval European religious theater with the language and performance traditions of the Aztec (Nahua) people of central Mexico. Franciscan missionaries, seeking effective tools for evangelization, fostered this new form of theater after observing the Nahuas’ enthusiasm for elaborate performances. The plays became a controversial component of native Christianity, allowing Nahua performers to present Christian discourse in ways that sometimes effected subtle changes in meaning. The Indians’ enthusiastic embrace of alphabetic writing enabled the use of scripts, but the genre was so unorthodox that Spanish censors prevented the plays’ publication. As a result, colonial Nahuatl drama survives only in scattered manuscripts, most of them anonymous, some of them passed down and recopied over generations.
Aztecs on Stage presents accessible English translations of six of these seventeenth- and eighteenth-century Nahuatl plays. All are based on European dramatic traditions, such as the morality and passion plays; indigenous actors played the roles of saints, angels, devils—and even the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ. Louise M. Burkhart’s engaging introduction places the plays in historical context, while stage directions and annotations in the works provide insight into the Nahuas’ production practices, which often incorporated elaborate sets, props, and special effects including fireworks and music. The translations facilitate classroom readings and performances while retaining significant artistic features of the Nahuatl originals.
Rob Rokicki, known for THE LIGHTNING THIEF, announced the digital release of his concept album THE REAL GEMMA JORDAN, featuring a book by Anna K. Jacobs and a cast of Broadway stars. Learn more!
T.3 has released their new holiday EP FaLaLaLonely in streaming and digital formats. A CD edition will be released in December. Learn more about T.3 and their album!
Rufus Wainwright's latest work, Dream Requiem, received its world premiere in Paris this year with the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France and with Meryl Streep as the narrator. On January 17th 2025, Warner Classics will release the live recording.
Cue the snow and holiday cheer: the Chris, Mrs. - A New Holiday Musical studio album from Boldly Productions is almost here! Listen to the single 'Ready to Try' now!
Reefer Madness: New Los Angeles Cast Recording, featuring the full cast from its 25th Anniversary Los Angeles revival will be released this winter! Three tracks are available now. Listen here!
BroadwayWorld has your exclusive first listen to the track 'Little Saint Nick' from vocal trio T.3. Listen to the track now, and learn more about the EP out this week!
Join the South Street Seaport Museum's free book club to discuss 'Native New Yorkers' by Evan T. Pritchard, focusing on the Lenape's legacy in New York City. Registration encouraged.
YELLOW SOUND LABEL will release of the new album Reefer Madness: New Los Angeles Cast Recording, featuring the full cast from its critically acclaimed 25th Anniversary Los Angeles revival. Check out a first listen of a song from the album here!
GREG PROOPS (Whose Line Is It Anyway?) will release his new comedy album 'PURPLE SHASTA RACCOON' on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15. The album was recorded live at The Punch Line in San Francisco for the third New Year's Eve in a row.
Mauricio Martinez is writing his inspiring autobiography, tentatively titled My First Act. The book, scheduled for worldwide release in late 2025, will be accompanied by a new album that serves as a musical companion.
Musical Theatre Melodies, hosted by Rob Morrison, will mark the 70th anniversary of the Broadway premiere of Fanny by Harold Rome on Tuesday, November 12th featuring the original 1954 Broadway cast recording.
Author Anton S. Sommer has released his latest novel, Modern Times - Double Future, a gripping political thriller set against the backdrop of a not-so-distant future.
Naomi Moon Siegel has released her third album, SHATTER THE GLASS SANCTUARY. The album explores her transition to life in Missoula, Montana. Listen to it now!
David G. Gitkov has invited readers on a journey spanning continents, seas, and decades in A Long, Long Watch: Volume II: The Sea: 1925 to 1946. This remarkable historical biography chronicles Gitkov's relentless pursuit of a life shaped by ambition, adventure, and the pursuit of freedom during some of the 20th century's most turbulent years.
Kelvin Funches has announced the release of his debut children's book, Sprouting Success! Little Tim's Mission. This heartwarming story follows Little Tim, a determined boy who sets out to grow more than just a garden-he sows the seeds of hope, healthy living, and community spirit.
CLUB44 RECORDS has released “Silver Bells” – the new holiday single from celebrated jazz vocal stylist Jane Monheit – on streaming and digital formats. The song, a joyously infectious Latin-inspired take on the seasonal classic, was originally released as a bonus track on last year's vinyl edition of her 2022 album, The Merriest.
Celebrated guitarist and songwriter Mike Campbell (Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, Fleetwood Mac) is set for the release of his memoir, Heartbreaker, written with Ari Surdoval. The book is due March 18 via Grand Central Publishing.
The original Australian cast recording of MURIEL'S WEDDING THE MUSICAL has been released in the UK for the first time, offering fans a chance to experience the acclaimed production's music.
'I Am Not A Secret' from THE COMPLETE PICTURE: A NEW ROCK MUSICAL is now streaming. Featuring music by Erin Maya and Nicholas James Connell, the track showcases a powerful ensemble rock anthem.
Explore the making of cult classic REPO! THE GENETIC OPERA with Staci Layne Wilson's book, BLOOD SAGA, featuring cast interviews, behind-the-scenes insights, and a look at its enduring fandom. Learn more and see how to purchase.
The Arts & Climate Initiative and Centre for Sustainable Practice in the Arts released an anthology of short plays, ALL GOOD THINGS MUST BEGIN, exploring future visions with themes of regeneration and justice. Learn more!
Yo-Yo Ma and longtime collaborator Kathryn Stott have released their newest album, Merci (Sony Classical), which is out now. Merci is a deeply personal expression of gratitude, a celebration of the powerful relationships that keep music alive. Listen to the new album here.
Karen Mason And All That Jazz! – the singular album from acclaimed Broadway star and concert artist KAREN MASON – is now available on CD and in digital and streaming formats. Listen here.
JC Chasez and Jimmy Harry release their groundbreaking new musical theater concept album, Playing With Fire. Inspired by Mary Shelley’s timeless novel Frankenstein, Playing with Fire marks Chasez’s first major musical theater recording project. Listen to it now!
Third Reprise, in partnership with Rodgers & Hammerstein, released a reimagined, soul-filled take on “Some Enchanted Evening” to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific. Watch the video here!
Explore the theatrical side of Edward Gorey in 'The Theatrical Adventures of Edward Gorey,' a new book by Carol Verburg, highlighting his inventive designs and original works in theater.
BroadwayWorld spoke with Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter JC Chasez and Golden Globe-winning songwriter and producer Jimmy Harry, whose new musical theater concept album, Playing With Fire, is out now! Read the interview here.
Ryan Scott Oliver’s new musical folk horror, Tomorrow, the Island Dies has just been released as a complete studio cast recording album on all streaming services.
Explore the newly announced legacy website dedicated to George S. Kaufman, offering insights into the life and works of the legendary comic playwright.