What would happen if the Tooth Fairy and Ratón Pérez, a mouse that visits children in their sleep when they lose a tooth, met each other, let alone teamed up and embarked on a journey to find disappearing wishes? Juliet Vitullo's new original play, Fermín's Great Book of Dreams, invites audiences into that journey with Ratón Pérez and other magical characters to discover why children's wishes are getting lost.
Julieta Vitullo, a bilingual writer, playwright, born and raised in Argentina, reflected on her upbringing to create this new play. She recalled childhood stories read to her as a kid and songs she listened to growing up. Vitullo recognized the way these works of art have impacted her life today and decided to write a play inviting Seattlites to join her in this blast to the past.
Maria Elena Walsh, a poet, novelist, musician, and playwright, was among the artists Vitullo listened to as a child. Walsh incorporates animals, plants, trees, and other inmate objects as characters in her works, which helped inspire the characters of Fermín's Great Book of Dreams.
The production of Fermín's Great Book of Dreams is catered to all audiences. The Seattle Times describes this best, “The story’s magical premise and quirky characters will certainly captivate children, but it will resonate with adults too as we all find ourselves navigating the uncertain terrain of the continued pandemic together in our daily lives, looking for a little magic and a little normal in the small graces.”
Congratulations to the cast of Fermín's Great Book of Dreams, eSe Teatro's creative team, and all the volunteers that made the production possible. At University Heights Center, we value learning, creativity, culture, community activism, and the preservation of our historic building. Fermín's Great Book of Dreams not only brought the community together but also embodies all that we value.
Fermín's Great Book of Dreams ran at University Heights Center November 5 - 14, 2021. For event information see here.