A Google search for “tamalada” quickly proves San Antonio is ground zero for tamal-making parties. At these seasonal gatherings, tamales get cranked out at a pace that makes spreading masa and filling on corn husks, wrapping them up like presents, and steaming them to perfection look easy. As playwright Alicia Mena’s Las Nuevas Tamaleras reminds, there’s an art to making these holiday treats and the skill set doesn’t always come naturally. Since its 1993 debut, the one-act play has won a faithful following with its comical tale of three virgin tamaleras whose first attempt gets an unexpected assist from the ghosts of tamal authorities Doña Juanita and Doña Mercedes. $12-$25; 8pm Fri, Nov 23; Guadalupe Theater, 1301 Guadalupe, (210) 271-3151, tamaleras.com. Check out our full online calendar of upcoming events here: calendar.sacurrent.com.
