Play inspires with the story of Tomás Rivera, a first-generation student who paved the way as first BIPOC chancellor in California.

A 9-year-old boy overcomes challenges of being an outsider in the classroom in “Tomás and the Library Lady,” a play for young audiences based on the true story of American educational leader and author Tomás Rivera.

The play by José Cruz Gonzáles is adapted from Pat Mora’s award-winning children’s book, which shares Rivera’s experiences as the son of Mexican migrant workers and a first-generation student in the American education system. The bilingual production includes dialogue and songs in both English and Spanish and is recommended for children aged 5-12.

“It's important for us to acknowledge the giants of all cultures and backgrounds who have paved the way,” said Ismael Lara, the production’s director and an MFA directing candidate at Northwestern’s School of Communication. “Tomás Rivera was a Chicano who achieved many ‘firsts’ and we must honor him and thank him for dreaming of the future for the Latinx community,” said Lara.

Set in Iowa in 1945, young Tomás Rivera struggles to read and speak English and fit in at school. But with the help of a kindly librarian and the power of imagination and curiosity, he overcomes his fears and realizes his passion for reading and writing, enabling him to rewrite his own story.

Tomás likely never imagined he would someday become chancellor at University of California-Riverside and the first minority in that post in the UC system. Nor did he foresee that UC-Riverside would have a library named for him and an annual conference honoring his work as a writer and educator.

The production is the Wirtz Center’s first since the pandemic began, to bring actors, costumes and set together on the stage to be filmed for streaming by audiences. Until now, productions have been produced almost entirely virtually.

The production includes puppets made from cardboard for all characters other than Tomás and the Library Lady. The puppets and costumes were designed by Meeka Postman, an MFA stage design candidate at the School of Communication.

— Northwestern Now

February 17, 2021 | By Stephanie Kulke