Performances for Families & Schools


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Explore Cultural Riches

 

Native American

Native American Nature Tales explores tribal myths and legends of the animals and birds of North America. Ranging from the humorous to the heart-felt, these stories celebrate native culture and its strong links to the natural world. We learn an Abenaki canoeing song, explore over seven different animals in the Northwest legend of Loon's Song and discover why America is called Turtle Island. For older audiences the performance features beautiful legends of the spirit like Jumping Mouse. Join one of New England's favorite tellers as these rich stories create a colorful weave of the Native American landscape. Through these rich how and why legends, students begin to understand how Native American culture clothed their world in story and how this enriched both imagination and world

European

Tales of Enchantment: Enter the world of fairy tales where magic is only a moment away, and lessons about how to live are concealed in vivid symbols. For younger children, Diane brings to life classic fairy tales like Snow White and Rose Red and Bee, Mouse, Harp and Bum-Clock, an unusual 'Jack' tale. When Jack returns home with dancing bugs instead of beans, the fun and magic really begin! For older students ask for the performance Storytelling of Ireland and Britain which explores the oral tradition through Arthurian legends and ancient Irish tales.

Fit for a King's Ear: A Medieval program filled with tales of unusual princesses and Arthurian Knights. Performed in the bardic style of story accompanied by harp, this program celebrates the very best of classic tales from long ago. Whether taking the audience on a wild joy ride to steal away the Princess of France or enlisting audience help to solve an ancient Arthurian riddle, Diane's characterizations and narrative skills keep everyone involved.

Kurdish

A Fire in My Heart: Kurdish Folktales: Based around Diane's new book of Kurdish folktales, this program introduces students and families to this pivotal Middle Eastern culture. Diane will present Kurdish stories she collected firsthand including The Lie a humorous story about a tall tale contest between an Uncle and his nephew, Fatima, the Kurdish Cinderella story and tales of how the moon and the Milky Way came to be. A map, anecdotes of her collecting experience and traditional dress and dance round out our exploration of this little known culture. Notice in the Salem News-2007

Irish

Shenanigans: There is plenty of laughter and delight in this animated retelling of Ireland's best-loved gems. The storytelling includes Irish favorites like Gilly Blackfoot where a young lad's aversion to washing his feet causes him to fall in with a fairy band. Cloaks of Invisibility and magic spells abound as hapless Gilly sets out to help free the Princess of France. Known for her vivid comedic style, Diane Edgecomb brings delight to her interpretations of these classic Irish favorites. This performance is also available with Diane's longtime collaborator Margot Chamberlain accompanying the program on Celtic harp.