School children listen as Mrs. Audrey Silverstein, on stage with Binational Center Director Maria Blanco Pate, announces the play

As part of the U.S. Embassy's support to the Escuelas de Tiempo Completo (Full Time Schools) with English Immersion Programs of the public school system, 483 children from seven schools were invited yesterday to the Binational Center (Alianza) to attend a performance of "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, Not Good, Very Bad Day". The children, mostly from schools in very poor areas of Montevideo and Canelones, are in their third or fourth grade, have had three to four years of English and are between eight and ten years old.

The U.S. Ambassador's wife, Mrs. Audrey Silverstein, was at hand to receive the children along with the Binational Center's Director Maria Blanco Pate. Mrs. Silverstein talked to them about the play and the author, Judith Viorst.

The U.S. Embassy purchased the rights for play and, with the help of the Alianza, identified a theater group to produce it. The Binational Center developed a marketing strategy to reach students of public and private schools with English programs as well as Alianza students. To date, 1,400 children have attended the play and there are eight more performances scheduled for October and November, which will take place at the Alianza Theatre.

Mrs. Audrey Silverstein (center, right) sits amongst children waiting in line to see the play.

Kids enjoying the show.

  • Background information on Escuelas de Tiempo Completo

 

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