*     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:
*   A Japanese folktale presented in Japanese theatrical style

  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.

  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

  Curriculum Correlations:
THE ARTS
* Listening for information, understanding, and expression
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
* Attaining cross-cultural understanding
SOCIAL STUDIES
* Understanding geography
* Understanding civic values and responsibilities

  Performance Requirements:

Click to inquire about booking this show ~ or ~ print the Form

  Study Tools:
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