The Crab, A Bubble Burst Play

A work-in-progress sharing of a new musical, by the artistic team who brought you Estado Vegetal and Beto, Beto el Abeto. Set in the middle of yet another historic drought in central Texas, the Crab follows Roberto, a Guatemalan food service worker working in Downtown Austin, who starts having stressful dreams about a plant that can produce more fresh water to drink. The dreams are increasingly vivid, as Roberto begins to question how exactly he is supposed to earn a living, be a good roommate, listen to his boss, call his family, take care of his body, pursue his dreams, and care for the planet!? Equal parts love letter to Texas, fever dream, cartoon episode, ecological fable, country music, and immigration tale. The Crab champions the power of songs not only to imagine a better future but also to handle a ridiculously challenging present.

PLEASE NOTE: This will not be a full performance, but a staged reading. There will be musicians, actors, some visual elements, and actors. The staged reading is a way to share the musical process with the community and to get feedback.

Directed by Khristián Méndez Aguirre
Music and Lyrics by James W. Parker and Khristián Méndez Aguirre

If you have questions about the content of the story or would like a content warning, please reach out to hola@teatrodelatierra.org

Performed in English, with subtitles in English and Spanish.

This project is supported by the City of Austin Cultural Arts Division Elevate Grant, and it is fiscally sponsored by the Austin Creative Alliance.