Good Life Theater
Tanka Tales explores three Native American stories using puppets,
elaborate scenery and effects to emphasize the value respect. “How
Summer Defeats Winter” explains the ordering of the seasons and contains
a shadow puppet story, “How Grandmother Spider Brought the Light”. “Loo
Wit the Fire Keeper” is a story reminding us to respect and share the
resources of the earth. This tale explains the Origin of Mt. St. Helens.
Granny’s Appalachian Tales is a multicultural look at this unique
region of the United States. Using hand, rod and shadow puppets, live
music and actors we bring to life an Appalachian Jack Tale, the African
American legend of John Henry and the Cherokee tale, “How the Milky Way
Came to Be”. Interwoven with these tales is a historic perspective of
the people unique to Appalachia. Our story teller is a life size Granny
puppet whose mountain cabin transforms into a imaginative puppet stage.
Granny plays the mandolin for a rousing sing-along finale.
Joe Pipik’s Backpack Puppets is a high energy, humorous
introduction to puppets. Geared for young children, this interactive
program focuses on early learning concepts and features a portable stage
and a pre-show sing-along.
The Amazing Lula’s "Let’s Make a Circus" is a one-woman interactive variety
show featuring juggling, unicycling, magic, rope-tricks, hat-tricks, and
balances. Lula charms her audience with her sweet character and physical
comedy while emphasizing the importance of strength, flexibility and
balance.
Residency/Workshops. Community theater projects with puppetry.
Puppet-making and programs for classroom use to illustrate arts-based
approaches to curriculum for students and teachers. Subject matter
varies.
Photos: Michael O'Gorman