"In the Time of the Butterflies" at SUNY New Paltz

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The Department of Theatre Arts at SUNY New Paltz is proud to present “In the Time of the Butterflies,” a surreal version of the real-life story of the Mirabal sisters, who inspired a national resistance against dictator Gen. Rafael Trujillo in 1950s Dominican Republic.

This production is directed by Estefanía Fadul and was adapted by Caridad Svich from the best-selling 1994 novel by Julia Álvarez.

“While the characters and major events of the story are real, there is also a lot that has been fictionalized first by the author of the book, and then by the playwright,” said Fadul. “This allows for a truly theatrical experience – a dreamscape of memory and history that incorporates music and projections. Caridad’s adaptation makes for an exciting live theatre experience.”

Fadul says the “incredibly inspiring” story of the Mirabal sisters’ love for their country and fight for their people’s freedom will serve to remind audiences just how powerful individuals can be in affecting change, particularly “when that power is harnessed collectively.”

“I think we are living in a time when a lot of people are feeling helpless as we witness horrific abuses of human rights right in this very country,” said Fadul. “This play shows us what can happen in a country when those abuses of power continue to build, and reminds us that heroism is found in the everyday acts of resistance by regular people fighting for freedom and human dignity.”