The show is divided into two parts. In the first part, Joseph and Mary arrive at Tirisiti's inn, who refuses to give them shelter. This is followed by the traditional episodes of the angel’s appearance, the nativity, the adoration of the shepherds and the Magi. During the flight to Egypt, the Holy Family finds refuge under a palm tree which conceals them from the eyes of their pursuers. The Captain of the soldiers interrogates the farmers who tell him that they saw the fugitives passing by while they were sowing. At that moment, the wheat sprouts miraculously, confusing the soldiers who give up the pursuit. The tree opens its palms and reveals the Holy Family who continue on their way.
The second part, the one with secular action, is divided in six scenes with situations and characters from Alcoy. The Night watchman announces the time and wakes up the characters one after the other. Tirisiti comically presents the local community on its way to mass. An old man argues with the altar boy who holds the church door. Tirisiti sends his wife Tereseta to mass, who exchanges a kiss with the sacristan, but the crowd warns her husband about it. The community leaves the church at the end of the mass, while Tirisiti is repeating his comments. A bull appears and threatens Tirisiti. The famous bullfighter Clásico makes some bullfighting passes in front of Tirisiti who boasts that he can do better than him. A chase begins between the bull and Tirisiti. The bells ring, announcing the march of Moors and Christians who come forward, as in the traditional Alcoy festival. The city's patron saint, Saint Jordi, appears on top of the castle. Tirisiti decides to leave the city, packs his bags and leaves for the Moon in a hot-air balloon. But the hot-air balloon bursts and Tirisiti falls with it.

All audiences

Pepe Esteve el Betlemero (Josep Esteve, aka el Betlemero)

Spain

Alcoy

Printed

Crib

Swazzle

Custom

Nativity

Folklore

Popular theatre

Spanish bullfighting

Party

Gas balloon

Mass (liturgy)

Daily life

Comments

Bullfighting

Christmas

Visitation Festival

Comical

Satirical

Religious

Didactic

Catalan

Innkeeper

Virgin Mary

Melchior

Wise Men (Biblical Magi)

Shepherd

Soldier

Night watchman

Grand-father

Sacristan

Bullfighter

Bull

Saint George

Moorish

Joseph

Jesus

Angel

Caspar

Balthazar

Captain

Choirboy

Christian

Ploughman

Narrator

Address to the public

Dialogue with the audience

Fight with an animal

Chase

Christmas carol

Instrumental tune

Apparition

Improvised dialogue

Current affairs

El Betlem de Tirisiti

La crèche de Tirisiti

A voice tells Marie that she is about to be pregnant with God. Marie says a prayer to God, in which she expresses at once her shame, her pain and her sense of fulfillment. Then she greets Elisabeth, who praises the light emanating from her. Marie thanks her but she also mentions her pain and the tears she has shed. In the barn, Joseph marvels at the celestial voices he has just heard, and reveals his confusion at Marie’s state, who can miraculously see the star and hear these voices. A group of shepherds comes. Each brings a present (a toy, a jar of honey, bread) and leaves. Once alone with Marie, Joseph wonders whether he is dreaming. Gaspar, Balthazar and Melchior come in. They relate their journey and how the star has appeared to them, and they leave a present (incense, gold, an ornamented staff). Joseph still vacillates from rapture to incomprehension, and he praises their new-found wealth and Marie’s lit up face. But an angel warns them about King Herod’s anger. He advises them to flee to Egypt.

Shadow theatre

Not specified

Bernus Alexander von

Germany

Munich

Annunciation

Light

Lyrical

Karl Thylmann, silhouettes and sceneries for "The Annunciation" in Heiliges Spiel.

German

Voice

Elisabeth (Mary's cousin)

Prayer

Chorus

Procession

Heiliges Spiel

Sacred play

Joseph is in love with Mary, but she rejects his clumsy advances. Tchantchès tries in vain to help Joseph. The archangel Gabriel appears to Mary and asks her to go back on her decision. He announces that she will have son and that she will have to call him Jesus. Then Gabriel appears to Joseph and reassures him: he will not be rejected this time. Mary and Joseph leave together for Bethlehem. The journey is a long one, the due date is approaching, and Joseph is looking for a place to rest. Pierre (Peter), the owner of a restaurant, offers them to stay in the old stable behind his establishment. They gladly accept. Three Magi present themselves at Herod’s court: they have heard that the King of the Jews is born and are looking to bring him gifts. Jesus is born in the stable. Tchantchès and Nanesse congratulate the parents. The Magi bring him their presents. Later, Joseph learns about the emperor’s order – all the children under two will be killed. He is scared, but Tchantchès promises to help him. While Joseph and Mary are getting ready to flee, Tchantchès fights the knight who has come to kill Jesus and triumphs over him. Joseph and Marie leave for Egypt with their son.