*     Fee scale published in May 2008; subject to change
**  Additional mileage charge - $0.850/mile (subject to change)
      Overnight accommodations and meals are required for all performers when applicable.

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A 30-minute performance designed for a small stage and an audience of 150
Can be followed by a puppet demonstration and an interactive question and answer session
A study guide is provided for classroom preparation and follow-up.

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  Theme:
*   Introduction of Russian Folk Characters and folk songs to portray a rendition of a well-known Russian folk tale, presented in Russian puppetry style

  Brief Synopsis:
    The performance opens with themes from several Russian folk songs and the introduction of old storyteller, Baba Yaga and her mischievous black cat. When the cat cannot be found the audience is engaged in a search for ways to bring him out. The cat finally appears on the set, and in turn introduces Vladimir and the Balalaika, proceeding to take over the singing of the next folk song. Baba Yaga comes on to admonish him, and they begin the story of Matriona and Alonushka, two sisters who live near then edge of the vast Russian forest. Matriona sends the younger sister out alone, and, with the conniving of Baba Yaga and the help of the cat, Alonushka becomes hopelessly lost. Her travels to Grandfather Frost's house, to the south wind, and back home are likewise manipulated by Baba Yaga and confounded by the cat, who can't seem to get anything right. In the end the jealous older sister proves her selfishness, and both sisters learn from their experience.

  Objectives of the performance:
* Introduce characters and songs from Russian folk lore
* Tell a Russian folk story through character interaction, imagination, song and puppetry
* Present an authentically Russian style of puppetry, with puppeteer and puppet sharing the stage and interacting as and with the characters
* Introduce the lessons inherent in folk tales and illustrate their relevance to all cultures and times

  Curriculum Correlations:
THE ARTS
* Understanding the cultural dimensions of Russian folklore, music and styles
* Responding to materials and resources: unusual musical instruments and puppets
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
* Listening and singing along with folk tunes
LANGUAGES OTHER THAN ENGLISH
* Listening to the rhythm of Russian language in songs
* Learning the English translation of a Russian song
SOCIAL STUDIES
* Understanding differences in other cultures and stories
* Understanding relationships between culture and geography

  Performance Requirements:

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