Folklore theatre staging 4 shows at SAPA

The theatrical spectacle will feature three stories: The Boy and his Dog- about the adventures of a boy and his magical dog; the 4 Kings and the Last Deer in the World which is about four ethnic kings on a royal hunt which will feature animated recreations of the creation stories from China, Africa, India, Europe and Native America. The third is an audience favourite –Anansi and the 10 Dragons featuring new dragons and stagings.

On the Eid Holiday, June 26, showtime for the gala opening is 7pm.

On June 27 there will be three shows: a school matinee at 9-11am; a charity show at noon – 2pm and a regular adult night show from 7– 9pm.

Wire Bend Folklore Theatre is a theatrical troupe that pushes the boundaries of family entertainment by combining dazzling costuming created by some of the best master-artisans from our national festivals along with interactive, cutting-edge animated characters created by some of our top young animators, said a media release. “The aim is to combine the ancient and the super-modern, to compete with Disney, Nickelodeon and Hollywood blockbusters.

To captivate audiences with local stories, local heroes, and local storytelling…” says director Rubadiri Victor.

“My dad used to tell us this story of a boy who lived with his grandmother in a village.

One day the boy helped an old man who gave him the gift of a dog. The dog turned out to be a magic dog.

Whenever the boy was in trouble a bucket of water would turn to blood, and the dog would know the boy was in trouble, and then race to protect him. The story is about their adventures… “There also is a witch who eats children. It’s one of the most fascinating stories I’ve ever heard. It has patois songs and everything, and I’ve never seen it recorded anywhere. I’ve always said I would love to produce the story one day. That day is now.

My dad is 89-years-old now and has Alzheimer’s.

I want to put on this production in tribute to him and the gift of this story, so he can see it…” Interested schools, corporate bodies and the public can contact Wire Bend at 797-0949, Arlette at 716-6010, or email rubadiri@yahoo.

com. For more info: Wire Bend Folklore Theatre’s Facebook page or #wirebend #mythsforanewtime #anansihasarrived.