Reader's Theater: A Trip Through Time, Arizona History

Act 1: Arrival in Prehistoric Arizona

Scene: The UofA mirror and optics lab in the basement of the UA Football Stadium with a time machine prototype nicknamed the TARDIS, a group of scientists, and four modern-day characters: Alex, an adventurous historian, Maria, a Native American anthropologist, Jake, a geologist, and Maya, a tech-savvy engineer.

Alex: (excitedly) "So, we're really going back in time to explore Arizona's history?"

Maria: (nodding) "Yes, we'll be starting in the Paleo-Indian era, around 12,000 years ago."

Jake: (checking his geologic equipment) "And we'll get to see how the land and rock formations have changed over time."

Maya: (looking at the time machine prototype) "This is amazing! I can't wait to see how it works!"

As the group enters the time machine, they activate the device and are enveloped in a bright light. When they emerge, they find themselves in a prehistoric landscape, surrounded by unfamiliar plants and animals.

Alex: (in awe) "This is incredible! We're really in prehistoric Arizona!"

Maria: (looking around) "We need to be careful. This was a time before human settlements, and we don't want to interfere with the natural order of things."

Jake: (pointing to a nearby rock formation) "Look at that rock! It's completely different from what we see today. I wonder how it formed?"

Maya: (scanning the area with her device) "We have limited supplies and equipment, so we need to prioritize what we explore and gather data on."

As they move through the landscape, they encounter a group of Paleo-Indians, who seem startled by their presence.

Paleo-Indian: (speaking in a language the group doesn't understand)

Maria: (trying to communicate in gestures) "We come in peace. We are from the future and are interested in learning about your culture."

The Paleo-Indians are initially skeptical but eventually agree to show the group their way of life. 

As the four characters continue their journey with their new guide, they find themselves on the banks of the San Pedro River in southern Arizona. They are surrounded by an ancient landscape of towering saguaro cacti, mesquite trees, and rocky outcroppings. 

Suddenly, a group of figures appear in the distance, moving in their direction. As they get closer, the c can see that they are another tribe of Paleoindians, the earliest known human inhabitants of the area. They have lived along the San Pedro River for almost 13,000 years

The Paleoindians are skilled hunters and gatherers, and they move through the landscape with a grace and ease that comes from thousands of years of living in harmony with the land. They carry spears and bows, and their clothing is made from animal hides.

The time travelers are in awe of the Paleoindians' deep connection to the earth and their ability to survive in such a harsh and unforgiving environment. They watch as the Paleoindians hunt and gather food, make tools from stone and bone, and create beautiful rock art that tells the stories of their lives. 

As the sun begins to set, the Paleoindians invite the characters to join them around a fire. They share stories of their ancestors, their beliefs and traditions, and their struggles to survive in a world that is both beautiful and deadly. 

The time travelers are humbled by the Paleoindians' wisdom and resilience, and they realize that they have much to learn from these ancient people. As the night wears on, they fall asleep under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the desert night and the warm glow of the fire.

End of Act 1. 

Act 2: The Tohono O'odham Nation

Scene: A village in the Sonoran Desert, thousands of years ago. 

Narrator: (voiceover) Long before any Europeans came to Arizona, the Tohono O'odham people had been living in the region for over 10,000 years. 

(A group of Tohono O'odham people are gathered, preparing for a hunt.) 

Elias: (addressing the group) "We must prepare well for today's hunt. The summer heat has made game scarce." 

Kai: "The deer have gone deep into the hills. It will not be an easy hunt." 

Elias: "Nevertheless, we must try. Our people need food, and we cannot rely on the rains to sustain us forever." 

(The group sets out into the desert, carrying bows and arrows and other hunting tools. They trek across the barren landscape, searching for signs of prey.) 

Narrator: (voiceover) The Tohono O'odham people were skilled hunters and gatherers, relying on the plants and animals of the desert to survive. 

(They come across a herd of deer and begin to quietly stalk them.) 

Elias: (whispering) "Stay quiet and stay low. We must get as close as we can." 

Kai: (nodding) "I will circle around and approach them from the other side. It may help us." 

(Elias and the rest of the group continue to approach the deer, while Kai circles around. Eventually, they are close enough to begin firing arrows.)

Narrator: (voiceover) With great skill and patience, the Tohono O'odham hunters are able to bring down a deer. They carefully skin and prepare the animal, wasting nothing and respecting the life that was taken. 

Elias: (addressing the group) "Well done, my friends. Let us bring this food back to our village and share it with our families." 

(The group makes their way back to the village, carrying the deer and feeling grateful for the successful hunt.) 

End of Act 2. 

Act 3 (Option 1): The Coronado Expedition, 1540-1542

Scene: The desert in southern Arizona, the Coronado Expedition is crossing the land searching for the Seven Cities of Gold. The expedition includes Coronado, his officers, and soldiers, as well as Native American guides and porters. 

Coronado: (looking out into the distance) "We must find the Seven Cities of Gold! The riches of this land will make Spain the wealthiest country in the world!" 

Officer 1: (skeptical) "But we have been searching for months, and we have found nothing but desert and hardship." 

Officer 2: (nodding in agreement) "Our supplies are running low, and our men are tired and sick." 

Coronado: (determined) "We cannot give up now. The glory of Spain and the riches of this land are at stake. We will continue our search until we find what we are looking for." 

The expedition continues to travel through the desert, facing harsh conditions and difficult terrain. They meet several Native American tribes, but they are unable to find any sign of the fabled cities of gold. 

Native American Guide: (in his native language) "There is no gold here. The stories of the Seven Cities are just legends." 

Coronado: (frustrated) "No, there must be gold here. We will continue our search." 

The expedition presses on, facing hunger, thirst, and disease. They reach the Grand Canyon, but they find no gold there either.

Officer 1: (disheartened) "We have searched for months, and we have found nothing. Perhaps it is time to return to Mexico." 

Coronado: (refusing to give up) "No, we cannot give up now. We must continue our search." 

As the expedition continues deeper into Arizona, they face even greater challenges, including hostile tribes and rough terrain. But Coronado remains determined to find the Seven Cities of Gold, no matter the cost. 

End of Act 3. 

Act 3 (Option 2): The Anza Trail Expedition,1775-1776 

Scene: A dusty trail in the Sonoran Desert. The Anza expedition, led by Juan Bautista de Anza, is traveling to establish a presidio and mission in the area. The time travelers suddenly appear on the trail, startling the expedition members. 

Anza: (drawing his sword) "Who goes there?" 

Time Traveler 1: (holding up their hands) "Peace, we come in peace. We are travelers from the future." 

Anza: (lowering his sword) "The future? This is most unexpected. Welcome to our expedition. I am Juan Bautista de Anza."

Time Traveler 2: "Thank you, sir. We are here to learn about the past, specifically the Anza Trail." 

Anza: "Ah, the Anza Trail. A long and treacherous journey. But one that is worth it to establish a presidio and mission in this area." 

Time Traveler 3: "We understand the importance of this expedition. We come from a time where your efforts have helped shape the state of Arizona." 

Anza: "I am honored to hear that. But we still have much work to do before we can establish a permanent settlement in this area." 

As the expedition continues on its journey, the time travelers witness the hardships and dangers faced by the travelers, including harsh terrain, lack of water, and attacks from Native American tribes. They also witness the perseverance and bravery of the expedition members. 

Time Traveler 4: "It's amazing to see the determination of these people. They are willing to risk everything to establish a new settlement." 

Time Traveler 1: "Yes, it's inspiring. We can learn a lot from their courage and resilience." 

The time travelers continue on their journey with the Anza expedition, hoping to gain a deeper understanding of the past and the challenges faced by those who helped shape the history of Arizona. 

End of Act 3. 

Act 4: Mexican Period  

(Scene: A small village in Arizona during the Mexican Period, early 19th century. The four-time travelers have arrived in the village and are observing the way of life.) 

Character 1: (looking around) "Wow, things have certainly changed since the Spanish period." 

Character 2: "Yes, this is now part of Mexico, and the people here have adapted to the new way of life." 

Character 3: "Look at those adobe houses. They're different from the Spanish-style houses we saw earlier." 

Character 4: "And the people are dressed differently too. Their clothing looks more practical for this desert climate." 

(A man and woman approach the group.) 

Man: "Buenas tardes. ¿Cómo se llaman?" (Good afternoon. What are your names?) 

Character 1: "Uh, hello. We're just passing through. We're not from around here." 

Woman: "De dónde vienen?" (Where are you from?) 

Character 2: "We're from...a faraway place. We're travelers." 

Man: "Ah, entiendo. ¿Quieren algo de comer o beber?" (Ah, I understand. Would you like something to eat or drink?) 

Character 3: "Yes, that would be great. Thank you." 

Woman: "Síguenos." (Follow us.) 

(The group follows the man and woman to a small adobe house where they are served food and drink.) 

Man: "So, what brings you to this part of the world?" 

Character 4: "We're just...exploring. We're interested in the history of this area." 

Woman: "Ah, history. We have a lot of history here. Have you heard of the Anza Trail?" 

Character 1: "Yes, we have. We heard it was used by the Spanish to travel through the desert." 

Man: "Sí, and it's still used today. We trade with people from California along that trail." 

Character 2: "That's interesting. We'll have to check it out." 

Woman: "And have you heard of the Battle of Tucson?" 

Character 3: "No, we haven't. What's that?" 

Man: "It was a battle between the Mexicans and the Apaches in 1856. It was a significant event in the history of this region." 

Character 4: "We'll definitely have to learn more about that." 

(The group finishes their meal and bids farewell to the kind hosts before continuing their journey through time.) 

End of Act 4. 

Act 4 The Battle Of Tucson Expanded: 

The stage is set with a backdrop of the Sonoran Desert. The four time-traveling characters, along with some of their historical counterparts, find themselves in Tucson in the late 19th century, just before the Battle of Tucson. 

As they explore the town, they notice that tensions are high between the Anglo-American settlers and the Mexican-American residents. 

Emma: "This is not good. It looks like there's going to be trouble." 

Juan: "Si, the tensions have been building for some time now. The Mexicanos are tired of being pushed around by the Anglos." 

Suddenly, the sound of gunfire echoes through the streets. 

Clara: "What's happening?" 

Juan: "It sounds like the Battle of Tucson has begun!" 

The group rushes to the site of the battle, where they find a fierce confrontation taking place between Mexican-American and Anglo-American fighters. 

Maria: "This is awful. How did it come to this?" 

Juan: "The Anglos have been trying to force the Mexicanos out of Tucson for years. The Mexicanos have had enough and are fighting back." 

Emma: "We have to do something to help. But what can we do?" 

Just then, Emma notices a group of Apache warriors lurking on the outskirts of the battlefield. 

Emma: "Look, over there! The Apaches are watching the battle. They could join in at any moment!" 

Juan: "That would be disastrous. We have to find a way to stop them from getting involved." 

The group quickly comes up with a plan. They split up and start talking to the Apache warriors, convincing them to stay out of the battle. 

Clara: "We cannot let this turn into a bigger conflict than it already is." 

With their intervention, the Apache warriors agree to stay out of the fight. The Battle of Tucson ends with casualties on both sides, but the intervention of the time-traveling group helps prevent it from escalating further. 

End of Act 4.

Act 5 (Option 1): Anza Trail and Mexican-American War

Scene: A desert trail, marked with a few wooden signs indicating "Anza Trail," "Mexico, 1821," and "U.S., 1848." Four characters are walking along the trail, dressed in period-appropriate clothing: a Mexican soldier, a Mexican woman, an American soldier, and an American woman.

Mexican Soldier: (looking around) "This trail holds a lot of history. The Anza Expedition, the Mexican-American War... It's hard to believe so much has happened in this desert."

Mexican Woman: (nodding) "Yes, it's both beautiful and dangerous. But it's our home."

American Soldier: (looking at his map) "We're getting close to the border now. Just a few more miles." 

American Woman: (looking up at the sky) "It's getting late. We should set up camp soon." 

As they set up camp, they discuss the history of the area and the events that brought them there. 

Mexican Soldier: "I remember when Mexico gained its independence from Spain in 1821. It was a time of hope and celebration." 

Mexican Woman: "But then came the Mexican-American War. The U.S. invaded Mexico and took over much of our land." 

American Soldier: "It wasn't an easy war. Both sides suffered losses."

American Woman: "But in the end, the U.S. emerged victorious and gained control of Arizona, among other territories." 

Mexican Soldier: "It's a complicated history, full of pain and loss. But we must keep moving forward." 

As they settle in for the night, they hear coyotes howling in the distance, reminding them of the untamed wilderness of the Arizona desert. 

Act 5 (Option 2): The Anza Trail Expedition

Characters:

- Juan Bautista de Anza

- Father Francisco Garces

- Anza's expedition party

(Scene: Anza and his expedition party are traveling on the Anza Trail through the desert)

Narrator: After a long and treacherous journey, Anza and his expedition party finally arrived in Arizona in the late 1700s. They traveled along the Anza Trail, a historic route that connects the Spanish colonial missions and presidios in Sonora, Mexico, to California.

Anza: (to his expedition party) We must be careful on this journey. The desert can be unforgiving. We must ration our supplies and make sure everyone stays hydrated.

Expedition Party Member 1: What do we do if we run out of water?

Anza: We must find a source of water or risk dehydration. Keep your eyes open for any signs of water in the desert.

Narrator: As they traveled through the desert, they encountered many challenges, including extreme heat, dangerous wildlife, and treacherous terrain. However, they were determined to reach their destination.

Father Garces: (to Anza) We must be cautious of the Native American tribes in the area. We do not want to offend them or start a conflict.

Anza: Agreed. We come in peace, and we must show them respect.

Narrator: As they traveled further along the Anza Trail, they encountered the Tohono O'odham tribe. The tribe was initially wary of the expedition, but after some negotiations, they allowed Anza and his party to pass through their territory.

Expedition Party Member 2: This journey is exhausting. How much longer until we reach our destination?

Anza: We are getting closer every day. We must persevere and keep moving forward.

Narrator: After many weeks of travel, they finally arrived at their destination: the San Francisco Bay in California.

Anza: (to his expedition party) We have completed our journey. We have traveled over a thousand miles through the desert and have reached our destination. We have accomplished what many thought was impossible.

Narrator: The Anza Trail expedition was a significant moment in Arizona's history, as it helped establish a direct trade route between Mexico and California. It also paved the way for future settlers to travel westward, leading to the development of many towns and cities in Arizona and California.

End of Act 5.

Act 6 (Option 1): Kid-Friendly Gunfight at the O.K. Corral 

 Scene: The dusty streets of Tombstone, Arizona. Wyatt Earp and his brothers, Virgil and Morgan, along with Doc Holliday, stand across from the notorious Cowboys, Ike Clanton and his gang. 

Wyatt: (to the Cowboys) "This town is no place for your kind. You best be leaving now."

 

Ike: (scoffing) "We ain't afraid of you, Earp." 

Morgan: (drawing his gun) "Maybe you should be." 

The two sides draw their guns, and a tense standoff ensues. Suddenly, shots ring out, and the gunfight begins. 

The sound of gunfire and shouting fills the air as the two groups exchange shots. Bullets whiz by, and dust kicks up from the ground. 

Doc: (shouting) "Stay low, boys! We need to take out those Cowboys!" 

Virgil: (grunting in pain) "I'm hit!" 

Wyatt: (grabbing Virgil) "We need to get you out of here!" 

The Earp brothers and Doc Holliday slowly retreat to a nearby building, firing their guns as they go. The Cowboys follow them, firing wildly. 

Ike: (shouting) "Come on, boys! Let's take them down!" 

The gunfight continues until the Earps and Doc Holliday finally manage to take down the Cowboys. 

Wyatt: (breathless) "It's over. We did it." 

Doc: (nodding) "Yeah, but at what cost?" 

The Earp brothers and Doc Holliday survey the damage as the townspeople emerge from their hiding places. 

End of Act 6. 

Act 6 ((Option 2): The Founding of the University of Arizona Tucson

(Setting: Tucson, Arizona, 1885) 

Four time travelers land in the middle of a dusty street in Tucson, Arizona. They notice a group of people gathered around a podium, listening to a man speak. 

Man: (speaking to the crowd) "Ladies and gentlemen, today marks a historic day in the history of Tucson. With the generous donation of $25,000 from the citizens of Tucson and Pima County, we are pleased to announce the founding of the University of Arizona Tucson!" 

The crowd erupts in cheers and applause. The time travelers approach a man nearby to ask for more information. 

Time Traveler 1: (to the man) "Excuse me, sir. Can you tell us more about the founding of the University of Arizona?" 

Man: (smiling) "Of course, friends. The University of Arizona Tucson was founded in 1885, with the goal of providing higher education to the people of Arizona. It started with just a few buildings and a handful of students, but it has grown into a respected institution with thousands of students and faculty." 

Time Traveler 2: "What were some of the challenges in establishing the university?" 

Man: "Well, the main challenge was securing funding. But with the support of the community, we were able to raise enough money to get started. We also had to recruit faculty and staff, as well as develop a curriculum that would meet the needs of the students." 

Time Traveler 3: "What kind of programs did the university offer in its early years?" 

Man: "In the early years, the university offered programs in agriculture, mining, and engineering. These programs were especially important for the development of Arizona's economy at the time. Later on, the university expanded to offer programs in the arts, humanities, and sciences." 

Time Traveler 4: "That's fascinating. How has the university grown and changed over time?" 

Man: "Oh, it has grown and changed quite a bit. In the early years, the university was quite small, with just a few hundred students. But over time, it grew in size and scope, and now it has over 45,000 students and offers hundreds of degree programs. It has also become a major research institution, with research programs in a wide range of fields." 

The time travelers look around at the campus of the University of Arizona, impressed by its modern facilities and bustling activity. 

Time Traveler 1: "It's amazing to see how much the University of Arizona has grown and changed over the years. It's truly a testament to the power of education." 

Man: "Yes, indeed. The University of Arizona has played a vital role in the development of Arizona and the Southwest, and it continues to be a beacon of learning and progress to this day." 

End of Act 6. 

Act 7: Future Arizonaan 

Scene: A futuristic desert landscape in Arizona. The four time-travelers arrive in a flash of light, landing on a rocky outcropping. 

Jaden: (looking around in amazement) "Wow, this is incredible! I can't believe we're really in the future!" 

Lila: (cautiously) "Let's not get too excited. We don't know what dangers may lie ahead." 

Juan: (scanning the area with his device) "It appears that this area is mostly uninhabited. There are a few small settlements scattered throughout the region." 

Sophie: (excitedly) "Maybe we can find some people and learn more about how Arizona has changed over time!" 

As they venture further into the futuristic landscape, they come across a small settlement. The buildings are made of sleek, metallic materials and there are flying vehicles parked nearby. 

Jaden: "This is amazing. I never thought I'd see flying cars in my lifetime." 

Lila: "Let's be cautious. We don't know what kind of people we might encounter here." 

Juan: "My device is detecting signs of life. There appear to be several individuals in the area." 

Sophie: "Let's approach them and see if they can help us learn more about Arizona's future." 

As they approach the settlement, they are met by a group of people dressed in sleek, futuristic clothing. The people appear friendly, and they are eager to share their knowledge of the future with the time travelers. 

Future resident: "Welcome to our settlement! What brings you here?" 

Jaden: "We're time travelers from the past, and we're interested in learning more about how Arizona has changed over time." 

Future resident: "That's fascinating! Our society has advanced tremendously in the past few centuries. We'd be happy to show you around and answer any questions you may have."

Sophie: "That would be amazing! Thank you so much."

As they explore the settlement, the time travelers are amazed by the advanced technology and architecture. They learn about how Arizona has become a hub for technological innovation and scientific discovery, and they are inspired by the possibilities of the future.

End of Act 7.