This is part of the 20^th Anniversary Indy Fringe Festival, Aug. 14-24, 2025, in downtown Indianapolis. For information and tickets, see indyfringe.org.

By John Lyle Belden

Now that it has completed its three-day visit to the Vision Loft space at IndyFringe, a few words – in English, please excuse me – about this wonderful piece of Teatro Juvenile:

Presented by Juan Francisco Ramos Aguilar of El Salvador, you are treated to a mask-and-puppet production of the fairy tale fable also known as “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” This story was popularized by Hans Christian Andersen, though its source can be traced back to Spain. Still, its familiarity helps us who don’t speak Spanish as our jester narrator/puppeteer does the show entirely en español, full speed, as though entertaining children in his own country.

That’s right, no English. Not a word. You must pay close attention to the flow and the words that sound familiar, as well as the broad hand gestures and other cues that young listeners rely on as they learn more of their own tongue. For me, this enriched the experience, pulling it out of literary cliché so that I can experience it like its intended audience. I welcomed the chance to stretch my poquito “Sesame Street” understanding of Spanish. The colorful masks, costumes, puppets, and décor further enhance the scene.

Aguilar is the parable-teaching Jester, as well as the Conman seeking oro (gold), as well as the old Prima Ministro who takes El Rey (the King) to see the alleged miracle fabric. At points, His Majesty approaches the audience, asking our opinions. It’s best – no matter what he says or how little you understand – to respond with an emphatic “Si” lest you arouse his royal bluster.

Around the midpoint of the story, the narrator also gives us a quick hand-puppet skit with Punch-and-Judy style characters.

The overall experience was fascinating, and for someone like me an immersive opportunity to follow another language. For those in the audience who could speak Spanish, it was good to have a live performance that appealed directly to them.

Hopefully, this show or something like it can make its way to our city again.