The Stonecutter |
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Grades: K-6 Program Requirements: The performance requires a minimum area: Electrical needs: Power source only for footlights Actors: Open Hand Theater ensemble Performance Time: 40 minutes Setup and strike: 45 minutes each. (15 minutes between performances) Curriculum Guide: OHT provided Fee: $500 for a single performance; $400 for a second; $350 each additional * For venues outside Syracuse area (over 60 mls), additional travel fees may apply. Limit: maximum 150 - best if seated near center, not wide |
| Theme: A Japanese folktale presented in Japanese Theatrical style. Objectives of the performance: * Engage children in a quiet, enchanting performance * Present the color, beauty and simplicity of Japanese arts * Present a simple story line with straightforward lessons * Weave two stories together and illustrating their common lessons: understanding and caring for ones self and ones environment * Introduce types of puppets: Japanese Bunraque, Rod puppets, and marionettes Brief Synopsis: The performers introduce the mountains, stream, flowers, and the bird with opening music and movement. The Stonecutter comes to the mountain to do his day's work, interacting with the air around him and the bird who comes to visit. He falls asleep, and wakes to find a prince nearby. In a series of wishes, he becomes transformed into several different, always more powerful things. Finally he realizes that power comes full circle to who he truly is. The bird, who has missed him, brings seeds to the mountain and it grows into a beautiful place. Following the performance, the artists demonstrate how each puppet works and talks about their history and construction. Curriculum Correlations: THE ARTS: * Responding to and Analyzing works * Understanding Cultural Dimensions and Contributions of Japanese folklore and theater ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS: * listening for information, understanding, and expression OTHER LANGUAGES: * Attaining cross-cultural understanding SOCIAL STUDIES: * Understanding geography * Understanding civic values and responsibilities What to do before the performance: * Talk about watching and listening as an audience * Read the story of The Stonecutter There are two versions with two different endings * Find Japan on the globe and talk about its topography * Listen to music from different cultures. Talk about the different melodies, rhythms, and tones. What to do after the performance: * Draw pictures of favorite scenes in the Stonecutter performance. * Discuss the use of different materials, colors, and kinds of movement in the performance. How did they create a scene? Add colors or other elements to pictures to change the scene. * Talk about aspirations, goals and wishes. What is real? What does one do to attain them? * Find places in the environment that change over time. Talk about how that happens. Do something to beautify a place nearby. References: Library Gaylord Reference Numbers for The Stonecutter: * Version from Japanese folklore – Gerald McDermott - # 001719983 * Version from Indian folklore – Pam Newton - #042298194 The Mountain That Loved a Bird by Alice McLerran, Illus by Eric Carle |
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In addition to these touring shows, Open Hand Theater offers several other workshops and educational programs.
518 Prospect Avenue,
Syracuse, New York 13208
Tel: 315-476-0466
FAX: 315-472-2578
Email: Info@openhandtheater.org
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