TPA will present a special project in collaboration with The Puppet Arts Theatre from Jackson, Mississippi, under the direction of Peter Zapletal, Artistic Director.  This 2-day residency will feature a puppet performance of “Trickster Tales” starring Anansi the Spider on Thursday, April 27, and Friday, April 28, at The Riverview Theatre, 600 Clyde Fant Parkway.  Performance times:  Thursday, April 27, the first show is from 9:00 – 10:00 am, and the 2nd show is from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. Friday, April 28, the first show is from 9:00 – 10:00 am and the 2nd show is from 11:00 – 12:00 pm.   Teachers have preference on which date and time they would like attend.

How does a spider beat an elephant in a bout of tug-of-war?  Overpowers a python?  Captures a cloud of hornets? With Anansi the Spider, world-famous trickster, all things are possible ... if only you have a plan! This 45-minute performance, written by Heidi Rugg, of Barefoot Puppets, features Anansi the Spider in two traditional folk tales of the Beluba and Ashanti peoples.  In addition to Anansi, the audience will meet Elephant, Hippo, Namibi the Python, Osebo the Leopard, a swarm of angry hornets and an even angrier Sky-god!  Colorful scenery, original music, lots of puns, and a wonderful backdrop for the antics of these expressive rod and hand puppets. It is a high- energy show with fun for all ages!  Visit the Puppet Arts Theatre’s website at www.mspuppetry.com.

This will be an excellent field trip opportunity for students grades K through 5th.  We encourage teachers to hold their spots as soon as possible. Enclosed is a flyer and Footnotes Learning Guide for teachers. Interested K – 5th grade teachers can contact Theatre of the Performing Arts office at 318-525-0740 or 318-584-1610, or by email at tpaarts318@aol.com for more information.