Around the World Adventures

Exciting adventures and colorful characters await you!  Just sit back, relax and enjoy as we bring the world to you!  Around the World Adventures programs are 40-45 minutes in length and accommodate audiences of up to 150.

 

Babushka:  A Russian Christmas Tale

 

A beautiful story about a Russian woman who learns a lesson after receiving a visit from three kings from the east.  When the kings invite Babushka to accompany them on their journey in search of another great king who is about to be born, Babushka is too preoccupied by her household chores to accept their offer.  However, while cleaning her house, Babushka stumbles across an old basket of toys.  Determined to find the baby king and give him the toys, she sets out on her own journey.  Will she find the king or did she miss her opportunity?  Find out in this tale which explains why Babushka is sometimes known as the Russian Santa Claus.

 

 

 

 

Godmother Death:  A Mexican Tale

 

A Mexican tale about a young man who thinks he can outwit Death.  Variations of this tale are told by people from different cultures all over the world.  In this Mexican version, audiences will learn about the popular Mexican holiday, El Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead).  Celebrated over November 1st and 2nd, this holiday is a time to remember deceased loved ones.  Godmother Death combines the history and culture of Mexico with an unforgettable story of mercy, power and justice. 

 

                            

Perfect for Halloween (or anytime)!  Great for all ages, including older audiences!

 

 

 

King Lion's Gifts:  A folktale from Africa 

 

How did the zebra get its stripes?  How did the elephant get its tusks?  How did the rabbit get its long ears?  This tale from the Khoi tribe of southern Africa holds the answers.  Told by King Lion himself, this "uproarious" tale will have audiences all ears as they explore the diverse cultures of Africa through music, dance and dress.  Jam-packed with opportunities for audience participation -- this is sure to be a real crowd-pleaser! 

 

 

 

 

 Papa Dieux's Well: A Folktale from Haiti --   Available Summer of 2010!

When the animals are thirsty, Papa Dieux makes a well for them and puts Lizard in charge. But instead of sharing, greedy Lizard lets his power go to his head and hoards the water for himself while his friends go thirsty.  Will Lizard get away with his greediness?  Or will he learn that everyone has a right to water?  Audience members will find out as they play a wide array of animal characters, speak in French/Creole, and learn to value one of our greatest natural resources, water.

 

 

The Ram in the Chile Patch:  A folktale from Mexico   

Juan, a young boy from Mexico, has one very important chore – to take care of the chile patch that belongs to his family. When Juan chooses to play with his friends instead of doing his chores as his mother commands, a big ram, with a love for chile peppers, takes up residence in the patch and refuses to leave! Can Juan’s animal friends help him get rid of the Ram in the Chile Patch before all of the chile peppers are gone? Find out in this hilarious adaptation of the classic Mexican tale!

• Godmother Death
• King Lion's Gifts
• The Ram in the Chile Patch  

          (see descriptions above)

Monkey Tales

 

 

Can a Crocodile and a Monkey really be friends?  Monkeys live in trees.  Crocodiles live in the water.  It hardly seems possible!  However, when Monkey begins to share his delicious jamun fruit with Crocodile, a new friendship is formed.  But when Crocodile's wife gets a taste of those sweet jamun fruits, she demands that Crocodile bring her something even sweeter -- a monkey's heart!  What will Crocodile do?  Audience members will enjoy swimming in the Ganges River, chomping their crocodile jaws, and greeting each other in Hindi in this tale that explores themes of friendship, honesty and cleverness. 

* The Panchatantra is one of the earliest collections of fables ever written.  Composed over 2,500 years ago, its original purpose was to teach wise conduct of life to some mischievous young princes.  The fables, which are mostly based on animals and contain a moral, were designed to ensure the worldly success of the princes.  As relevant today as when they were first written, these stories are still told to children all over India by their parents and grandparents. 

Dog Tails:  A folktale from the Iroquois

There once was a time when there were no dogs, only wolves.  But when the Clan Mother of the Iroquois nation notices that both wolves and people live in family groups, she invites them to live with her people.  All the wolves have to do is abide by The Rule -- to always walk on four legs and never on two.  For generations they live by The Rule, earning the name "dogs."  But when one young pup sees the Iroquois people dancing, he can't resist the temptation to try it himself -- even if it means breaking The Rule!  But what will happen when he gets caught?  Will he be punished by the people?  Or will he learn that sometimes disobedience brings its own consequence?  Find out in this humorous tale that will have audience members dancing and howling in delight as they learn why dogs sniff each others tails! 

Everyone smiles in the same language.  

 --Mexican-American proverb