Cassandra Rincon

English 51

Cultural Event: Toypurina at The San Gabriel Playhouse

I attended the Toypurina play at the San Gabriel Playhouse; on Oct. 25th 2014. My mom,
sister and niece had also attended the play and they were excited to see it. They had not known
that it was based off historical events in our hometown. My mom had known the writers of the
play, Andrew Morales and Matthew Lovio. As we sat in our seats I was amazed to see we were
sitting on the playhouse stage, the seats wrapped around a decorative mini stage in which the
actors would stand on. As the play started I was in awe of the music and scent of sage filling the
air; the lighting was good and the actors were great! There was much passion from the woman
playing Toypurina; she really made the play one to remember. The actor who played Father
Sanchez was stern and played him very well.
Throughout the play I started to remember parts from Sources of Rebellion: Indian Testimony
and the Mission San Gabriel Uprising of 1785 by Steven Hackel. The play and the article went
hand in hand and brought issues like sex trafficking, forced religion and discrimination to light.
The part of the play where Toypurina is being sent away into banishment from her tribe made me
wonder about all the other Native American women. Many women of the tribes in Southern
California were forced to marry and become part of the Catholic Church. It makes me sad to
think about all the hardships and tragic events that went on during the time of the missionary
settlers. These tribes, like the Gabrielino, were sent to become colonized by the Spanish which
was not fair to the native people. They should have let them have a choice and also the right to
decide what they want to do. I feel they could have worked out some of peaceful agreement to
help build a mission and share the land. The Spaniards should have shown some respect and
gave the Native Americans a chance to show their view on life and their beliefs. I believe the
way the Native Americans feel towards the earth is a way we should follow by showing respect
to every single living thing. It is a lesson we all should learn and live by to make the world a
better place. There was a scene in Toypurina in which they are getting ready to celebrate the first
fiesta for the San Gabriel Mission. The Gabrielino Indians wanted to celebrate and thank the
earth for the mission they have helped build. When the priest did not allow them to hold their
ceremony, it angered the native people. Why can they not celebrate in their own way? It made
me angry to read and see in the play how people just assume things are pagan, when really it is
just a blessing or a prayer for good.

Cassandra Rincon
English 51

Cultural Event: Toypurina at The San Gabriel Playhouse

After the play had ended, we stood behind to have a little chat with Anthony Morales about
the play. He thanked us for attending the play and asked us how we felt about the play. I was
happy to tell him that it was beautiful, and an awakening to these lost stories not many people
know about. He explained to us that it was a long play because they had to get into every detail.
He wanted people to see that this one story counts for many untold stories of Native American
women in the past. It was an eye awakening play; it had me thinking a lot about how the
indigenous people suffered during that time. It would be a great learning experience for many if
they attend this play. I feel that they should take this play and travel around southern California
to colleges and places where it will be appreciated.