Runaway Moon Theatre has just announced summer performances of its newest creation, Dream.
Humorous and poignant, Dream is a Mexican folk tale set in a miniature world.
Drawing on traditions and folklore from the Central American celebration of the Day of the Dead, Runaway Moon Theatre animates the story with live music, singing, puppets and actors.
The play will be brought to several venues in the North Okanagan/Shuswap at the end of July.
“Throughout the past 10 years, Runaway Moon Theatre, based in Grindrod, has developed a close connection with the whole area, drawing audience members, performers, volunteers and community participants from all around,” said Runaway Moon’s artistic director and puppeteer Cathy Stubington.
The theatre’s last tour of The World is Upside Down in the fall performed to audiences in more than 15 local communities.
“We plan to revisit many of the same venues, if not in July, then in the fall, to continue sharing the magic and delight of a Runaway Moon play with puppets,” said Stubington.
Dream is set in a small Mexican village, run by the local coffee baron. Juan, a poor, hard-working farmer, is tormented with a desire to selfishly eat a whole chicken by himself. When he eventually gives in to temptation and steals a delicious bird, he is visited by three powerful figures, each demanding a portion.
The characters range in size from 10-inch puppets to full-size human actors and they sing, wisecrack, and play out a universal drama.
Although the performance is aimed mainly at adults, it is suitable for everyone over the age of five.
Dream is directed by James Fagan Tait, and created and performed by Zompopo Flores and Stubington.
The show will stage at the SAGA Gallery in Salmon Arm, Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Kingfisher Hall in Kingfisher July 27 at 8 p.m., and Lorenzo’s Café in Ashton Creek July 28 at 8 p.m.
The play will then be staged at Runaway Moon’s home base at Grindrod’s Curly Willow Farm, July 29 and 30 at 8 p.m.
Tickets are available at the door and cost $14 for adults, $5 for kids, and $35 for families. Visit www.runawaymoon.org or call 250-306-3935 for more information.
