Teacher's Guide

Everything you need for The Fifth Sun in your classroom

📋 Preparation

  1. 1. Assign Roles: Visit the Cast Page and print the Role Assignment Sheet.
  2. 2. Gather Props: Simple props—rope for bell, cloth for tilma, cardboard shields.
  3. 3. Set Up Space: Clear a performance area with distinct zones for split-stage scenes.
  4. 4. Tech Check: Test that images load. Consider projecting scene images during performances.

📚 Scene Order (Chronological)

  1. Scene 1: The Paralyzing Prophecy (1519) - Spanish Conquest
  2. Scene 2: The Fifth Sun (1531) - Guadalupe Apparition
  3. Scene 3: The Colonial Crucible (1521-1810) - Colonial Era
  4. Scene 4: The Cry for Freedom (1810-1821) - Independence
  5. Scene 5: The Blood of Revolution (1910-1920) - Mexican Revolution
  6. Scene 6: The Storm of Swords (1926-1929) - Cristero War
  7. Scene 7: The Portable Homeland (1940s-Present) - Bracero Program
  8. Scene 8: The Living Heritage (Present Day) - Modern Identity

💡 Discussion Questions

Scene 1: The Paralyzing Prophecy

How can fear be a greater enemy than any army?

Scene 2: The Fifth Sun

Why did the image of Guadalupe spread so quickly?

Scene 3: The Colonial Crucible

How does a caste system affect society?

Scene 4: The Cry for Freedom

Why did Hidalgo use the Virgin of Guadalupe as a symbol?

Scene 5: The Blood of Revolution

What was the price of "progress" under Porfirio Díaz?

Scene 6: The Storm of Swords

When should people resist unjust laws?

Scene 7: The Portable Homeland

What do immigrants carry with them when they move?

Scene 8: The Living Heritage

What traditions does your family keep?