What is a Pastoral?
The pastoral is an ancient modality of theatre, which is still very alive in Zuberoa with a big tradition nowadays.
The pastoral is a theatre play including many people and combining different disciplines such as, couplet, singing and dancing among others. It is definitely a huge cultural popular expression.
The Pastoral Karmen Etxalarkoa Pastorala: Composition
There are more than 100 people participating in the pastoral. Most of them are from Etxalar but some of them come from the Valley of Baztan. The age range of the participants is variable and each of them participate in a different role.
The main language of the pastoral is Euskara. Moreover, it is the second play performed in the South of Euskal Herria. The first pastoral played in South of Euskal Herria corresponds to Joxemiel Bidador´s pastoral and it was performed in Pamplona.
These are the main roles performing the Karmen Etxalarkoa Pastorala:
- Main protagonists: Karmen and José
- Dragons and soldiers (called “Canarios” in the novel of Merimée).
- Gypsies
- Cigar makers
- Smugglers
- “Turkish” women (Sensual women from Andalusia)
- Monks
- Children
