Tears of Joy Theatre

AVAILABLE THROUGH 2007-2008
Western & Central Washington, Western Oregon

By Leo Kominz
A Story from Japan

A tiny boy, who proves his strength by defeating a rat sets off to save Japan from a great ogre. His parents give him a rice bowl to use as a boat, and a chopstick to use as an oar. In his adventures, he befriends a kappa, rides a koi, and becomes the
playmate of a princess before defeating the ogre in a hilarious battle. Performed with bunraku style puppets, this play will delight the entire audience.

"It's the David and Goliath story set in Asia. Tears of Joy Theatre takes youngsters 4 and older
to Japan for its latest piece, which is based on a folk tale and is written
with the delightlfully wry humor that only a teenager can exude." - Holly Johnson, The Oregonian

We were familiar with the folk tale but amazed at the creativity and skill with which the company translated the traditional Japanese story into a relevant, entertaining performance for an American audience. - Parent Chaperone, Portland International School

Can a character this small be seen in my theatre?
Yes! Tears of Joy uses 8 different puppets for Issun (One-Inch) in varying sizes allowing us to play with perspective in magical ways.

Study Guide

AVAILABLE 2007 - 2008
Oregon, Southern WA, Portland Area, Southern ID

By Nancy Aldrich

What happens when a magnificent dragon moves into the neighborhood? Find out in this spectacular play based on the story by Kenneth Grahame. The dragon, as wonderful as any who ever took the stage, is not the fearsome type. He, like the boy that befriends him, is more interested in art and poetry. The villagers, however,assume they are in grave danger and call on Sir George, the renowned dragon slayer to save them. Sir George discovers the dragon is no threat to anyone, but to keep the villagers happy, he and the dragon stage a mock battle with great showmanship. The villagers decide they can live in peace with their dragon.

"Another wonderful artistic performance! Your performers were excellent in actions and voices. I liked how there was no violence--all was very appropriate." -Kay Hudziak, third grade teacher.

StudyGuide

AVAILABLE THROUGH 2007-2008
Montana, Eastern Washington, N. Idaho, Western Oregon, California, Nevada

By Lorna Howly and Bobby Box

The Shoemaker and the Elves, is based on a folktale/fairytale recounted by the Grimm brothers. Our toe tappinadaptation of this classic story was originally produced by the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, GA. It sparkles with wit and humor as two endearing elves come to the rescue of shoemaker, Mel Footmeyer and his wife Tootsie. Each night the elves create more shoes and soon everyone wants a pair. The play is performed with rod puppets, hand-rod puppets and shadow puppets.

"What a fine play and fine production. The humor, sensibility, and puppetry are wonderful!"
Dr. Laurence Kominz, Portland State University

Outstanding School Programs

Tears of Joy Puppet Theatre brings amazing puppetry to audiences throughout the U.S. and abroad.
Recognized nationally for its commitment to excellence and innovation, its acclaimed school programs
introduce children to the magic of the performing arts. These programs:

* Stimulate creativity and imagination.
* Introduce students to folk tales, myths, and legends.
* Encourage exploration of stories from other cultures.

PERFORMANCES PLUS WORKSHOPS
Tears of Joy Theatre would like the opportunity to spend the entire
day at your school conducting educational workshops following performances
* Puppeteers will conduct a Q & A about the show and share some of the techniques used to create and build the show.
* Puppeteers will demonstrate how to create character on stage through movement and voice.
* Teachers will be given instruction sheets for making puppets.

Puppeteers will demonstrate how students can make their own puppets.

This is an excellent opportunity to stimulate student's creative thinking process through an exciting introduction to the art of puppetry.
SCHEDULING OPTIONS :
* One (1) performance and eight (8) demonstration workshops.
* Two (2) performances and four (4) demonstration workshops.
* Three (3) performances.
SPACE REQUIRED: 20 feet wide x 20 feet deep