The Boy in the Jaguar Tour Recap
Our Buffalo State University Ensemble Theater class completed their play and workshop tour of The Boy in the Jaguar to local schools! The Boy in the Jagaur is the 12th AFP student devised play written to share valuble lessons and inspire young people to tell their stories.
The Boy in the Jaguar Poster
Over the course of the 2025 spring semester, we delivered this original play and kinesthetic workshop, created by the 2024 Rwanda Delegation, to 9 schools, engaging nearly 2,000 of students in a powerful experience focused on the central theme of the play: "Forgiveness is Messy.”
The play follows Isandro, a young boy who, after the loss of his mother, is mysteriously transformed into a jaguar. Through a mystical journey, he learns that leadership comes not from strength alone, but from courage, connection, and the willingness to forgive — even when it's hard. These universal themes resonated deeply with the students we reached.
Following each performance, our students led an interactive workshop where the younger students had to finish the play; What will Isandro do once he returns? That was up for the students to determine. The workshop allowed students to process complex emotions, share personal insights, and explore what forgiveness, empathy, and growth mean in their own lives.
In addition to visiting local schools, AFP brought The Boy in the Jaguar to the Buffalo State campus, where fellow students, faculty, and staff had the opportunity to experience the performance and workshop firsthand. Some faculty members joined us on the tour to witness the impact our student’s play had on younger audiences.
We’re proud of our students for creating and leading this incredible experience, and we’re grateful to the schools who welcomed us into their communities with open hearts.
The Boy in the Jaguar Student Performers
Testimonies from the Tour
“I love watching my students' faces for the "A HA" moment when they see and feel the message. AFP gives my students the opportunities to not only share their stories but feel compassion and empathy for each other. That is a lesson that is not easily teachable but so amazing when you witness it!” – Lovejoy Discovery School #43
“I really think that our students rose to the occasion to learn through the story telling process because of how hard your students worked at making it relatable.” – Harvey Austin School #97
“It was very different being there in the schools than just hearing about this work. To see our students find comfort in the discomfort and then share that courage with the student audience. Our students courage, talent, and scholarship were all there--this is the type of work Buffalo State should be known for.” – Buffalo State Faculty member
The Boy in the Jaguar Spring 2025 Cast
Min Zoe, Theater ’25 - Isandro
Gianna Cotto, Theater ‘25 - Gusano
Arianna Morris, Theater ‘25 - Narrator/Alistair
Fedeline Jean-Philippe, Theater ’26 - Clarita
Joshua Marra, Television and Film Arts ‘26 - Asier
Rusi Mbabazi, International Relations ‘25 - Apple Queen
Renata Tumusabire, Criminal Justice ‘25 - Ensemble
