BREAKING FREE: Sydney Mullin ’24 as Sofia and Aaron Ventresca ’24 as Mateo in rehearsal for “Gaucho: A New Musical.” (Photo by Dylan Tran)

Gaucho: A New Musical is presented December 8-10 at Princeton University’s Wallace Theater in the Lewis Arts complex. Admission is free.

The show, by seniors Aaron and Emma Ventresca, is set in 19th-century Argentina as the gaucho community of San Antonio de Areco faces growing threats to its traditional way of life from large landowners’ newest technology — barbed wire fencing. With horseback riding and storytelling buffeting under the pressure of progress, a young gaucho named Mateo struggles to break free from his family’s dying cowboy way of life to become a writer. But with some unexpected help, Mateo escapes to the alluring promises of Buenos Aires.

The show’s book, music, and lyrics are by Aaron and Emma Ventresca. It is directed by alumnus and Lecturer in Theater Nico Krell, with music direction by guest artist Gia Gan. Admission is free. Shows are at 8 p.m. on December 8 and 9, and 2 p.m. on December 10. Visit arts.princeton.edu for more information.