A Banana for TurtleFunny stories for young audience “A Banana for Turtle” is based on several children stories and features a
monkey, a parrot, an elephant, a python and a turtle. Original music and
songs create a canvas for the situations in which these friends find
themselves as they discover the world around them.
FirebirdA Rod puppet show of a Russian Folktale Based on a folk tale of old Russia.
Traditional hero, Ivan, goes in search of his true love, who has
been captured by dark forces. Along the way he rescues a
beautiful Firebird caught in a chain beneath a Golden Apple
Tree; meets Baba Yaga, the traditional Russian witch.
She reveals to him that the Firebird he freed is none other than his
true love, Vasilisa; and helps him, despite her nature, by
showing him the way to the realm of the Black Dragon.
His adventure comes to an end when, by using his wit rather than his
strength, Ivan triumphs over the Dragon, and, united with his
true love, returns to his homeland.
This lush and elaborate production, with rod puppets created in
the tradition of Russian folklore; the vivid and colorful
scenery of the first Act contrasted with the dark and mysterious
underworld of the second Act; the spellbinding music of
Stravinsky`s Firebird as well as folk songs of old Russia,
transports the audience to an enchanted and magical world — a
world of fairy tales.
KolobokA Russian version of The Gingerbread Man Russian folktale about the adventures of a little Butterball named Kolobok,
who was baked by an elderly childless couple. This story is well known in
America as The Gingerbread Man; in Scandinavia — as The Pancake Man. In
this production, the adventures of Kolobok are seen through the eyes of two
forest creatures, performed by live actors who bring to life the floor puppets
–animals in traditional Russian costumes. The bright, sunny, cheerful colors
of the scenery and costumes help create the atmosphere of the magical forest.
With originally composed music and lyrics, this musical is fun for all ages.
The Sleeping BeautyA Famous fairy tale and classical music – marionette ballet A Marionette Ballet
This performance is very special. It is a fairy tale told through music and the movement
of marionettes. As a ballet has no words this marionette ballet has no words to accompany
the music and dance. PuppetART has created an original version of this age-old story with
a new twist in plot.
The Crane MaidenInspired by a Japanese folktale, Sponsored by JBSD Based on the ancient Japanese folktale of a poor but honest young man who saves
the life of a wounded crane. The crane turns out to be a young beautiful woman
with whom he falls in love. Out of gratitude, the crane maiden bestows upon him
a fabric woven from crane feathers, which becomes a source of temptation in the
hands of his rich and corrupt merchant neighbor. Tempting the young man to sell
the fabric, the merchant makes him break the promise that he made to the girl.
As a result, she becomes a crane again and flies away. Representing Good and Evil
are two spirits, who, battling for the soul of the young man, interfere in his
life and even change his destiny. These spirits are played by live actors in traditional
Japanese costumes and masks, who literally manipulate the main characters, string
puppets known as marionettes.
Oh, Ananse!A West African Folktale This West-African folktale, one of the many written about the famous character
of Ananse The Spider, was chosen as a base for this production. This story is
the first in the series of Ananse tales, in which the Sky God Nyame, who owns
all the stories in the world, gives Ananse the chance to earn the right to tell
them to the people. In order to do this, Ananse must fulfill three challenging
tasks, which he succeeds in doing, but not without the help of his wife, Aso.
The actors, dressed in Hip-Hop style, and tabletop puppets designed with flexibility,
together with Rap music, help to reveal the nature of this loveable trickster.
Script and songs
by Jahra M. McKinney Music Editor Lumumba K.A. Leon M. Reynolds – PuppetArt 2001
Turtle Island!Inspired by North American legends
Turtle Island is a parable inspired by the legend that came from the heart
and soul of the Native People of North America. Combining different types
of puppets, amazing light effects, and life actors and masks the story tells
how two brothers struggled to understand that people are a living part of the
natural world, that all things are connected. Original music by Robby Gall.
Helm’s Law!Inspired by I.B. Singer’s The First Shlemiel
This production takes us to Helm, where we meet Mr. Schlemiel, the kind
of person who never does anything right.
Retold for PuppetART by Corrine Stavish
Purim!Based on Biblical “Book of Esther”.
The Purim holiday is derived from the old testament’s Book of Esther. Told for generations, it is the
story of a poor Jewish girl who marries the rich and powerful King Ahasueros and then, with the help of
her Uncle Mordecai, manages to overthrow the King’s evil anti-semetic prime minister Haman who had
planned to destroy all of the Jews.
Our performance, or “Purim Shpiel”, is filled with laughter, wisdom and tears. Through colorful costumes,
lively music and Persian scenery it appeals to old and young audiences.
PuppetART on
PuppetART on
PuppetART on
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