Watch a collection of African tales full of colorful masks, costumes, traditional music and dancing when Drum Me a Story by Wild Swan Theater takes the stage in Ann Arbor, Feb. 9-11, 2017.
The 45-minute show will have three different Anansi the Spider stories for children ages 3-9 with interactive elements in every play to keep little ones engaged.
Sandy Ryder, co-artistic director and actor, says that the kids find the stories very fun and they enjoy participating with the actors.
“They get to sing and a few get to come up on stage and be some of the other animals,” she says.
The play will also have an American Sign Language interpreter. Ryder says that unlike some productions, the interpreter will be incorporated into the play onstage, so those who need to watch the signing can focus on the story, too.
The three West-African folktales chosen for the production are How the Turtle Got its Shell, Anansi Brings Stories to the World and Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock.
“It’s really fun, but simple,” Ryder says. “It’s nice because the kids can really put their imagination into the story, too.”
Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children and seniors; groups of 10 or more pay $7.50 per ticket.
The theater is located on Washtenaw Community College’s campus at the Towsley Auditorium within the Morris Lawrence Building. The theater is easily accessible for those with mobility challenges and parking is free.
The performances are scheduled for 10 a.m. on Feb. 9, 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 10 and 11 a.m. on Feb. 11. To purchase tickets, visit the Wild Swan Theater’s website or call 734-995-0503.
See the Metro Parent listing for basic details on Drum Me a Story by Wild Swan Theater in Ann Arbor.
