Mississippi Valley State University's Office of International Programs (MVSU) presents Puppet Arts Theatre production of The Toad Prince. The production is made possible in part by a grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission and National Endowment for the Arts. Two performances of the play will be presented at Davis Elementary School in Greenwood, Miss. on Friday, November 18 at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Dr. Kathie Stromile Golden, associate vice president and director of international programs, MVSU, stated that the MAC grant facilitates one of the University’s priorities, which seeks to expose students and residents of the Mississippi Delta to the outside world. The Toad Prince will introduce local students to aspects of Chinese culture, while also providing local teachers with a teaching tool that meets the Mississippi Department of Education’s Speaking and Listening Standards for K-5.
The show is a colorful Chinese retelling of “The Beauty and the Beast” story filled with memorable characters. In this version, Indri, a son of a Water Sprite and the King of the Toads, inherited the ugliness of his father. The transformation of Indri, the Toad Prince, physically and spiritually is an enchanting story with a moral to remember. With its delicate Oriental flavor, the play will appeal to girls and boys of all ages. The creation of this show was made possible by an Artist Fellowship Grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission.
Puppet Arts Theatre is devoted to bringing exciting and memorable performances to its audiences. Since 1968, this theater has thrilled children of all ages from Boston to Tampa and throughout the Southeast with magical and thrilling theatrical experiences. Puppet Arts Theatre is on the Performing Arts Touring Program of the Mississippi Arts Commission.
Puppet Arts Theatre is a professional touring company under the direction of Peter Zapletal, an award-winning puppetry producer and animator. Mr. Zapletal received a degree in puppetry from the Academy for Performing Arts in Prague, Czech Republic. He will be joined on stage by Olivia Hansford and Lesley Raybon. The voices for the puppets are provided by Kimberly Stoutner, James Goodman, Oliver Stoutner, and Peter Zapletal. The puppets were designed by Erica Flannes and set design for the production was created by Jarmila Zapletal, professional puppet maker and designer.
For more information, call 662-254-3092 or 662-254-3144.