Puppet show to highlight 'Raven Stories' events
POST FALLS - Tears of Joy Theatre from Portland will be presenting "Raven Stories" in the Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center at 2 p.m. Jan. 17.
"Raven Stories," written by Shoshone-Bannock poet and storyteller Ed Edmo, tells of the mischievous Raven, who is an important trickster character for the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest. Like his cousin, Coyote, Raven is witty and cunning to get what he wants. He may be sneaky, but his tricks are said to have given us the sun, fire and more.
This all-new, one-day puppetry performance is based on two stories of Native American folk lore: "Raven Steals the Sun, Moon and Stars" and "How Raven Gave Water to the World." Audiences will see how Raven tricks a seabird into giving him fresh water and how he steals the sun and moon from a great but greedy chief.
The particular style of puppetry used in "Raven Stories," described as "figure theater," is inspired in part by director Michael Grigg's work with Piotr Tomaszuk, the artistic director of Wierszalin, the Polish company where he learned the style. In this style of performance, the sculpted wooden figures represent the physical body of the character while the actor represents the inner life of the character, whether that be the emotional life, the spirit or the soul. This style of puppetry was chosen to reflect Native American Totem poles and traditional wooden carvings.
"Raven Stories" will feature original music and a puppet-making workshop is available after the performance. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children and the workshop is an additional $10. The JACC at 405 N. Williams St., Post Falls.
Tickets and info: www.thejacklincenter.org, 457-8950 or email art@thejacklincenter.org.