The visitor center at Chamizal National Memorial also hosts theater performances./NPS

A live performance, a chance for kids to reshape the landscape, and a new exhibit highlight National Park Week at Chamizal National Memorial, which was established 50 years ago to celebrate the culture and history of the U.S.-Mexico borderlands in El Paso, Texas.

At 7 p.m. April 20, the park will host a performance of Bernabé, written by Chicano playwright Luis Valdez. Bernabé mixes Aztec mythology and classic Chicano characters in a story that encourages the audience to examine attitudes about nature by reacting to the main character’s literal love for Earth.

“As with many of the plays of Luis Valdez, this performance is sure to lead to interesting discussion, which is just what we hope to do,” the park said in a release. “The program is part of our monthly facilitated dialogue series, where the audience is encouraged to join in a conversation after the performance.”

A few days earlier, at 9:30 a.m. April 16, the week will kick off with kids ages 5-12 planting about 60 plants that are native to the Chihuahuan Desert, part of a long-term plan for a more natural landscape and to reduce water use at the park. To sign up a participant or for more information, contact Mayra Herrera at [email protected] or (915) 532-7273.

A multi-year project is underway to create an engaging, interactive exhibit about the Chamizal story. The first step, an updated and more comprehensive telling of the story, is complete and on display at the Chamizal National Memorial Cultural Center daily from 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.