Drama Project

Re-enact an important part of history as a member of the Anza Expedition of 1775-76.

Dolores Valdez de Pong

Bring history to life through three children's plays by Dolores Valdez de Pong, produced for the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. The plays include imaginative costumes, music and props. They are ideal for grades 4 and below:


Grandma's Lesson
When Michael and Miquela have to write a school paper on a historical figure, they come to their grandmother for ideas. She draws on their imagination to teach them about the Anza expedition first-hand.

21 CHARACTERS: Narrator #1, Narrator #2, Grandma, Michael, Miquela, Young Juan Bautista de Anza, Adult Juan Bautista de Anza, Señor Gonzales, Señora Gonzales, Soldier #1, Soldier #2, Soldier #3, Muleteer #1, Muleteer #2, Mule #1, Mule #2, Mestizo, Mulatto, Padre Font, Indian #1, Indian #2

Download Script, Prop List, and Historical Background (400kb)

The Anzas' Gift
After leading nearly 300 children, women and men on a colonizing mission to Alta California, the Anzas recall the diverse people that made the expedition a success.

13 CHARACTERS: Narrator #1, Narrator #2, Señora Anza, Juan Bautista de Anza, Pablo, Carmen, Padre Font, Soldier, Chief Palma, Muleteer, Mule, Woman, María (young girl)

Download Script, Prop List, and Historical Background (300kb)

Lisa's Talking History Book
A magical book brings objects to life that were important to the early settlers of Alta California.

14 CHARACTERS: Narrator, Lisa, Lady Chocolate, Mr. Shovel, Watermelon Gal, First Ribbon, Second Ribbon, Third Ribbon, First Glass Bead, Second Glass Bead, Third Glass Bead, Quadrant, Psaltry, Meticulous Journal

Download Script, Prop List, and Historical Background (200kb)



Additional Resources for All Three Plays:
Costumes and Props (1.5MB), including a photo gallery and directions to make your own
Song Lyrics and Scores (600kb) for musical interludes listed in the plays above