Preserving the Culture, Page 2

Unmasking the Maya

		Sna Jtz’ibajom’s literacy program has taught 6,500 men, women, and children to read and write in their mother tongue.
				Xun Teratol Lopis

Kristobal Tz'it Nujkul

Tziak Tza'pat Tz'it

Sokoro Komis
Ernantis

Xun Karlos Luna Péres

The nine Indian members of Sna Jtz’ibajom are from the Maya communities of Chamula,Tenejapa, and Zinacantán, in the rugged mountains that surround the colonial city of San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas.

Maruch Rosenta te la Krus

Norma Marta Karsya Lopis

Xlil Ial Tz'ujkin

Chep Ernantis

Scene with Shaman

Scene with Signs

Under the guidance of New York stage director Ralph Lee and later, Michael Garcés, the group evolved from puppet theatre to a full-blown acting company. Teatro Lo'il Maxil (The Monkey Business Theatre) writes and performs plays for Maya and Ladino audiences in southern Mexico and Central America, and for migrant workers in places like Florida.

Maya Audience in Tenejapa

Maya Audience in Zinacantan

Maya Audience in Chamula