the fabulous story of gold prospector Pette Aguerreberry brought to life

In less than 15 days, the association Les Amis du château will present its play “Pette Aguerreberry, once upon a time in America”. But who was this character? Born in 1874 in Abense-de-Bas, he harassed his father to obtain the right to go to California to join an older brother who already lived there. Winning his case, he undertook this journey at the age of 16, arriving in San Francisco in 1890. For 10 years, he worked in multiple jobs including that of a shepherd. Then he began prospecting in Death Valley, California.

After many adventures, he finally discovers gold. “He lived in Eureka for 40 years, digging for high-grade gold ore when he needed money, locking up the mine to do other work in between,” says his biographer George C Pipkin ( 1) which recalls that Pete built a road to the summit overlooking Death Valley, a site still known as “Aguereberry Point”. Pette Aguerreberry died on November 23, 1945. Cali Etchecopar, touched by the story of this little-known adventurer in Soule, decided to make a show of it.

Four performances

“Pette Aguerreberry, Once Upon a Time in America” will be performed at Maule-Baitha (2) on Saturday January 18, Friday January 24, Saturday January 25 at 8:30 p.m. as well as Sunday January 19 at 5 p.m. 15 days before the premiere, rehearsals are going well.

On this Sunday morning, January 5, the troupe is almost complete for a filming under the direction of director Michel Foucher. It is a 2h15 play with sketches, songs directed by Sophie Larrandaburu and dances choreographed by Cathy Artçanuthurry. The ensemble is carried by the music of Michel Garat, Popaul Puchulu and Philippe Etchecopar on guitar, Sébastien Leonis on trumpet and Michel Kerguiles on violin.

(1) “Pete Aguereberry: Death Valley prospector & gold miner” by George C Pipkin, translated into Basque by Xipri Arbelbide.
(2) Ticket sales at the Tourist Office online and on site, at Mauléon town hall, at Roman sports or on site at Maule-Baitha.