Description

This unusual piece is a colorful collection of Chinese folktales dramatized in an exciting story-theatre form. It was inspired by Harris’ visit to the People’s Republic of China, when he and his play Rags to Riches opened the children’s theatre door of China to Western culture. East meets West. Performed in the traditional style of the Land of the Dragon, these playlets combine various types of dramaecomic, adventurous, poeticeenhanced by music and mime. Although each play is unique and self-contained, they are linked by a beguiling monkey who uses his magical powers to aid the heroes and heroines and to defeat the villains, providing fantasy and fun. With universal themes and pictorial staging, the folktales are theatre at its best for audiences around the world. Approximate running time: 60 minutes.