‘Momotaro’ is a peach
Published 6:58 am Tuesday, March 4, 2008
The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council presents “A Spring Break Special” for local students April 13 featuring Thistle Theatre’s “Momotaro, Peach Boy” at the Shorecrest Performing Arts Center.
“Momotaro, Peach Boy” is the most popular children’s story in Japan. A childless old woman rescues a giant peach from a river and a baby emerges from inside. The peach boy, Momotaro, bands together with a dog, a monkey and a pheasant to rescue stolen treasure from the Oni (ogres or demons) who have been terrorizing his village. Bunraku-style and origami puppets tell this tale of honor and heroism, reflecting Japanese character and customs.
Thistle Theatre is the only puppet theatre in the Pacific Northwest that specializes in a distinctive variation of Bunraku, an ancient style of puppetry from Japan. The puppeteers are dressed head-to-toe in black and operate the puppets from behind. Beautifully hand-crafted puppets are brought to life in original productions and adaptations of folk tales from around the world.
“Momotaro, Peach Boy” is recommended for children ages three to 12, as well as for adults of all ages.
