Circle of Tales
How the first story came to be told
A myth from Africa retold by Gcina Mhlophe
A puppet show for the whole family
Perfect for everyone from 4 years old
It
all started so long ago that it is impossible to remember when.
There were no stories at that time.
One day a woman, called Mazanendaba, set out to search for stories,
asking friendly and fierce animals if they could help, but none knew any stories,
or even WHAT stories were.
After
hunting up and down mountains, through thick bush, meeting many scary and funny
creatures
Mazanendaba
was told by
wise Elephant where to find the secret
of wonderful tales to tell…
A
show with African and English language, wood and wire puppets,
video projection and the sweet, sweet sounds of music
played on traditional African
instruments
and sometimes with a 30-piece orchestra..!
The
show will be about 50 minutes. For all ages 4+.
After the show the audience will be invited to play musical
instruments, meet the puppets and chat.. and not rush away.
Music
workshops will be offered before the show to teach anyone 6 years old + to play
instruments to become a musical part of the show.
45 minutes for up to 30 participants. Families encouraged to do the workshop
together.
__________________________________
PuppetCraft's artistic director has been back to his land of his birth, exploring Africa to find a story, crafts, sounds and sights to use for this new show.
Gcina Mhlophe, one of Africa's most popular storytellers, has been commissioned to write the script. She is blending a Cameroon Creation myth with a southern African story about stories.
Crafts
have been collected as inspiration for the look of the puppets.
A woodcut for publicity
has been commissioned from South African artist David Phoshoko.
Chartwell Dutiro, a Zimbabwean master mbira player, is devising the music. He
will sing and play the lyrical mbira for most of our shows.
Here
is a link to Chartwell's website.
We
are delighted to welcome other performers to share the role of Musician/Storyteller.
Abimbola Alao,
originally from Nigeria, renowned as a storyteller, educator and winner of the
BBC's 24 Degrees competition.
Kadialy Kouyate, a Senegalese kora virtuoso and and singer. "Fleet-fingered
skill on this mesmerising instrument" Time Out.
Other
artist involved:
Andrew Dickson, musical director. Rachel Miller, atmospheric sounds.
Sue Field, fabric. Martin Corbin, Joanna White and Libby
Quick puppet making. John Roberts, director, designing and making.
Puppets
are performed by Jo White, Libby Quick and John Roberts.
For a bit of background on this team ...click here.
This
new show now touring. See DIARY for public shows.
Click
here
to enquire about booking the show.
