East West Players Theatre for Youth program to tour elementary schools with Asian Pacific Tales
East West Players, the nation's premier Asian Pacific American theatre, will present folktales from Korea, Vietnam and China to elementary school children in Los Angeles County through its Theatre for Youth Asian Pacific Tales program from February 14-March 11, 2005.
Asian Pacific Tales blends Eastern and Western theatrical techniques with folk tales designed to encourage children to discover other people and understand the diversity of Asian Pacific Islander cultures. Dramatized folk tales are interspersed with song, dance, rhythm and percussion from various regions of the Pacific Rim. Asian Pacific Tales reaches about 20,000 children and families each year via in-school arts education, school performances and local festivals. The show is accompanied with written curricula and suggested follow-up activities for classroom use.
"Los Angeles County is one of the most diverse areas of the country with many cultures to enrich our mind and spirit. There is no perfect place to start this enrichment than in school with ASIAN PACIFIC TALES. Knowing about various cultures gives us a chance to look at our similarities and celebrate our differences," said East West Players Producing Artistic Director Tim Dang.
"Being introduced to different cultures breaks down barriers, demonstrates universality and teaches tolerance because something that once seemed foreign and strange is now familiar and accessible. And what better way to learn about the communities around us than through folktales that are both enlightening and entertaining. Hopefully children will leave with more of an awareness of and appreciation for diversity and embrace cultures outside their own," added East West Players Arts Education Director Marilyn Tokuda
In the Korean folktale "Mirror Mirror," Soon Tek and Sang Il are a typical brother and sister at odds with each other. When their father brings home a special present from China, things go awry as the "magic window" creates even more havoc in the household.
"The Little Finger of the Watermelon Patch" is the Vietnamese folktale. As a young girl Thieu was cursed for being selfish and mean. Now as a 21-year old woman, she wants to be released from the curse. Tiny in size, she longs to find her parents and seek redemption. Meanwhile, young Prince Liam needs to find a bride to prove his worthiness of taking over his father's role as King. On his journey, Prince Liam meets Thieu and they help each other reach each others quest.
The final story is the continuation of last year's Chinese folktale "The Monkey King in the Heavenly Peach Garden" as we follow the escapades of this beloved roguish hero. When the Monkey King discovers he has not been invited to Emperor Jade's banquet he is incensed and devises a way to attend. Wearing a disguise, he is able to pass the guards, and what ensues only reinforces the Monkey King's mischievous reputation!
The fee to schedule Asian Pacific Tales at a school is $425 for one show, $800 for two and $1,150 for three. To schedule a performance contact Education Tour Coordinator Antoine Diel at (213) 625-7000 x21 or adiel@eastwestplayers.org.
Theatre for Youth Asian Pacific Tales is supported in part by Target Foundation, Amgen Foundation and Southern California Edison Company
