When a great African king desires a wife, the most perfect maidens in the land are invited to meet him. Dallas Children’s Theater proudly presents John Steptoe’s, "Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters", a gorgeous Caldecott Award winning Cinderella tale. Every culture has its rendition of the Cinderella story, but this one’s notion of “beauty” is more than skin deep.
A favorite among children and adults, this African story from Zimbabwe was inspired by a folktale collected by G.M. Theal, and published in 1895 in his book, “Kaffir Folktales." Award-winning children’s author/illustrator John Steptoe had always focused on the African American experience in his work, but "Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters" required him to research African history and culture for the first time. It was published in 1987, and was acknowledged by reviewers and critics as a breakthrough because it inspires African American children to respect their ancestral origins. Mr. Steptoe hoped that his books would help all young people to take pride in who they are.
With energy and color the story is told through clear narration, African dance, drumming and song, as well as a splash of audience participation. Playwright Karen Abbot has carefully drawn out each important moral point, and children will easily follow along.
This hour-long show is open to all school audiences and the general public. The play is intended for children ages five and up. This performance is the first in The Smith’s 2008/09 "ArtSmart Theatre for Young People Series." Remaining shows in the series are: "Horrible Harry" (Omaha Theatre Co.) on Nov. 12; "Miss Bindergarten" (Omaha Theatre Co.) on March 11; "Goodnight Moon" and "The Runaway Bunny" (Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia) on March 18; "Stellaluna" (Kids Entertainment) on April 8; and "From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" (ArtsPower) on May 11.
''Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters'' liv...
Date and Time
Friday Oct 10, 2008
October 10th
10 am & 3:30 pm
Location
Smith Opera House82 Seneca StGeneva, NY
Fees/Admission
Tickets are $4.50
Website
Contact Information
315-781-LIVE (5483), toll-free 1-866-355-LIVE (5483)
