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This is not your ordinary theater experience. Take a look inside this guide for a sense of what to expect — a sneak peek!
Through the narrows
Before you go guide
From the small size of the audience, to the hands-on puppet making and popsicles at the end of the event — this is a unique theater experience that captivates the audience. Follow Chootch, a 6-year old Cherokee boy as he bears witness to the Trail of Tears and Elli, a 3500- year old Jewish woman, as she recounts the crossing of the Red Sea. Through puppetry and live music, slide across continents and centuries as they travel from struggle to triumph.
“Wonderfully performed, thought-provoking storytelling.” “An enchanting call to find our own inner strength in these times.”
“There was magic in the air as soon as we entered the room.”
OPENING (10-15 Minutes) When people arrive they will sit around a "tablescape," a landscape that serves as the set for the puppets. The three performers, Shari, Chris and Greg will sing an opening song. At the end of the song, the performers will invite people to say their first name, one by one. You are welcome to just nod if you don't want to say your name. Shari & Chris will begin a hand washing ceremony. They will bring a pitcher of water and bowl to each person, one by one. To participate: hold your hands over the bowl. They will pour a little bit of warm water over your hands. Each person has a small towel to dry off afterwards. If you don't want to participate: don't hold your hands over the bowl and shake your head. They will move onto the next person. STORIES (40 minutes) Next, the performers will present their stories. starting with Elli, a 3500-year old Jewish woman and then Chootch, a 6-year old Cherokee boy. There are times when these characters may look and/or speak to you but you do not have to respond.
STORY SYNOPSIS
CLOSING
MAKING POWER FIGURES (20 minutes) The artists will invite the audience to make "power figures" — simple, miniature puppets to take home and call on for strength in hard times. While Greg plays music, Chris leads people step by step to string together wooden beads to make a figure. You don't have to follow the steps if you have other ideas.
What ancestors, historic figures, imaginary characters inspire you to take the next step forward in your life?
CLOSING (10 minutes) Chris will invite people to move their power figures to the river on the set. The figures may stand by, play in or interact with the river. After a few moments, Chris and Shari will speak a few closing lines.
Greg Herriges is an internationally recognized composer and performer (guitar, bouzoukist, percussionist, vocalist) with musical expertise that spans international and improvisational traditions (Middle East, Asia, India). A Bush and McKnight Foundation grantee, Greg has composed and performed music for: In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre, performer Zaraawar Mistry and Twin Cities Public Television.
Director Laurie Witzkowski is a theater maker and community activist whose work has been featured at Lincoln Center, In the Heart of the Beast Puppet & Mask Theatre, Theater Mu, Mixed Precipitation, TigerLion Arts and internationally, in venues from war zones to prisons and sacred sites. Laurie has also appeared on screen and recordings as a vocalist, musician and conductor.
MEET THE ARTISTS
Chris Griffith began as a solo juggler/street performer before falling into a life of a puppetry and arts education with In the Heart of the Beast Puppet & Mask Theatre, Galumph Interactive Theatre, and Children’s Theater Company. Chris won an Ivey Award for excellence in puppetry design. Chris has been developing a series of shows for stage and screen about Cherokee language, culture and history, with funding from the NDN Collective and Tiwahe Foundation.
Shari Aronson has earned a M.A. in Drama Education, developed interactive environments and written plays for the MN History Center, Science Museum of MN, Mill City Museum, MN Children’s Museum and the City of Maplewood. Shari’s stage adaptation of Eric Kimmel’s beloved children’s book Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins has been produced by professional and youth theaters across the country.
Z Puppets Rosenschnoz of Minneapolis brings people of all ages and abilities into the power of playfulness through performances, workshops and feats of imagination. Led by Chris Griffith, a Cherokee Nation tribal member, and Shari Aronson, since 1998 their inventive mix of puppetry, humor and music has won national acclaim.
THANK YOU
This project was made possible in part by:
An appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the State’s general fund.
The Howard B. and Ruth R. Brin Jewish Arts Endowment, a fund of the Minneapolis Jewish Federation's Community Foundation.
The support of Rimon: The Minnesota Jewish Arts Council, an initiative of the Minneapolis Jewish Federation.
QUESTIONS? Contact us! info@zpuppets.org (612) 724-1435 x2