T.O.R.T.I.L.L.A. stands for Teatro of Raza Towards Involvement in Local Latino Awareness. The organization has been around since 1991, and started because of migrant Fresno State students.

Every December since 1991, it has done a play called “La Pastorela” at the Satellite Student Union.

“La Pastorela” is a contempary twist on the traditional story of the shepherds’ journey to Bethlehem to witness the first Christmas. Called to action by the Archangel Michael, the shepherds face temptation and danger from the evil Lucifer and his nasty minions. The bilingual script is mainly in Spanish.

Luis Martinez will be debuting for the first time as producer of the play.

“Every year I have been a different character in the play, and to now be the producer is a really a big honor. It takes me to a whole different level,” Martinez said.

The play keeps the main theme every year, the only difference is the issues the actors take on. Last year they took on the issue of the Arizona SB 1070 law.

“We are aware of current events that affect our Latino community, and with this play we can laugh at it and have a good time with it just for a second, but still inform the audience that we should stand up and do something,” Martinez said.

The actors in “La Pastorela” are in fact not actors at all. The cast is comprised of students at Fresno State and Fresno City­ College.

The play is open to everyone. It’s not a religious event and its intentions are solely for entertainment.

“In 1991 it was the typical traditional play angels and devils, and now we have current characters such as a gangster, drug mafia cartels and other negative stigmas that the Latino community has and they take the part of Lucifer’s minions,” Martinez said.

“The purpose of T.O.R.T.I.L.L.A, and the different plays they put together for educational purposes is to educate not only the campus but the community,” Ofelia Gamez, T.O.R.T.I.L.L.A.’s advisor, said.

“They have been working so hard. They started rehearsals in September. And I admire these hard working students because they juggle so much school, work and families and on top of that rehearsals three times a week for almost three months is incredible,” Gamez said.

“In my three years at Fresno State I have never attended La Pastorela, but I will attend this year because, I want to learn more about my local Latino community and to support them as well,” Nancy Garcia, a liberal arts student said.

“La Pastorela” will be performed at the Satellite Student Union on Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m.

Admission, parking, entertainment and refreshments are all free.