...Creating exciting, theatrical plays with puppets

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Original Plays with Puppets ~
Icarus produces original theatre for young audiences with puppets and masks. Performing in a highly theatrical style, Icarus challenges audiences to see puppetry in new ways. A wide variety of puppetry styles are used, as well as masks, live actors, music, and dance.

Plays are based on world literature with themes that promote universal values, such as tolerance, nonviolent conflict resolution, honesty and self worth. Icarus Puppet Company is a touring organization at present, and plays are performed in schools, theatres, and community settings throughout the Southwest. In the
current season Icarus offers these following works in repertory:


Many Voices
A Haitian folktale intertwines with ancient Greek mythology in this upbeat musical play. Journey with Orphio on exciting adventures with the wise Lady Mambo, the sly alligator, and the clever Papa Legba.

Through his challenges Orphio learns to let go of the past, accept the present, and embrace the future. In doing so, he finds music and himself. Traditional jazz, blues, Caribbean and modern music help set the lively tone for this touching story.  Available from October 2004  Recommended for K-6 and up.

Rumplestiltskin vs.millersdaughter.com
A timely tale from the Brothers Grimm
Miranda has such good business sense her father boasts she could turn straw into gold. Unfortunately, he's overheard by a king who's a bit too literal minded. Meanwhile, the Bremen Musicians leave their garage band behind to seek fame and fortune.

An exciting retelling of a classic Grimm Brothers tale with a 21st century twist! Told using large scale puppets and shadow puppets this play explores traditional roles and the importance of being yourself.


 
Hands-on, Hands-in Learning Academy ~
Icarus creates lively, involving educational experiences for all ages. A variety of programs are done which include topics such as: drama workshops, how to design and make puppets, how to create puppet performance, how to make and work with masks; just to name a few.

Icarus has experience working with students from kindergarten to high school, in addition to working with teachers and adults of all ages.

Stars of the Puppetry Universe ~
Icarus produces thrilling guest artist events which bring the brightest stars of the puppetry universe to the San Diego community. In the past Icarus has hosted puppeteers from Uzbekistan, Spain, England, Canada, and throughout the U.S. Guest artist events not only represent the best puppetry to be seen anywhere but also includes a wide range of puppetry styles and experiences not normally available in our community. Call about the next guest artist event coming your way soon.


The Crane Daughter
Based on a beautiful Japanese legend, The Crane Daughter weaves the tale of an old woman’s kindness, a young woman’s gratitude, and the magical bond they share. Told using large, bunraku-inspired puppets, as well as shadow puppets and masked characters, The Crane Daughter teaches the importance of kindness and keeping promises.

Since it’s premiere in 1996, The Crane Daughter, usually performed with the shadow play Soo Tan and the Little Green Frog, has been seen by thousands of San Diego children in school assemblies. Some area teachers have incorporated the play with puppets into their social studies curriculum, bringing the company back year after year. The most requested work in the thirteen-year history of Icarus Puppet Company, in 2004 The Crane Daughter was selected for production at the Kyoto Laureate Symposium at the University of San Diego, and this summer’s Puppeteers of America Pacific Southwest Regional Festival.

These performances are part of Stories of Faith, a major, five-month program by the City of San Diego Public LIbrary, exploring the role of religion to understand history and community. (www.sandiego.gov/public-library)

For more information or to schedule an event for your organization, please email icaruspuppet@cox.net