TALES FROM MOTHER RUSSIA

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TALES FROM MOTHER RUSSIA consists two traditional folktales from pre-communist Russia, with themes that are both relevant and provocative.


"The Tsar's Feast" is the story of Bavsi, a successful farmer who lived during a time of great famine and draught. While his neighbors would share whatever morsels of food they had with each other, Bavsi was stingy and thought only of himself. The Tsar, hearing of Bavsi's good fortune, invites him to dine at the palace. There, he is witness to a sumptuous seven-course feast, which he can neither touch nor taste. Bavsi learns to appreciate what hardship hunger can bring and vows to help those in need whenever he can. Beautiful costumes, sets and music bring old world Russia to you, and the Tsars feast will fill your imagination with the aroma of roast pheasant with apple-boysenberry sauce!


"Ivan Bearmanovich" is a wonderfully funny tale about the foibles of communication. Ivan, part bear-part man, takes words literally. The wicked Madame Maroushka, who Ivan must obey, speaks figuratively. Whether he is drawing a bath or keeping an eye on the door, Madame Maroushka finds Ivan exasperating. The story takes you on an adventure from the woods, to Maroushka's castle, to Lake Baikal (the home of the wily goblin who owes the Madame rent). But Ivan, our hero, learns the nuances of language, and with a clever word game, frees the villagers from Maroushka's evil rule.

“Take your child to see them. If you don’t have a child – borrow one. If you can’t find a child – go alone. This is not to be missed!”

~Leslie Lyles, News reporter, Charleston, SC

“Children are treated like real, thinking, feeling human beings in this production. The humor has a child’s appeal, but the approach is subtle with little hyperkinetic behavior. The Russian Tales they have brought to the Spoleto Festival is a treat for all ages.”

~Karen Bair, Reviewer, Post and Courier, Charleston, SC



“To keep 5 year-olds sitting for any length of time is a miracle! They were captivated! ... The exposure to the arts- so important for young children… Quality performances- beautiful scenery- interaction with the audience… You were perfect!”

~Kindergarten Teacher, S. Dartmouth, MA


TALES FROM MOTHER RUSSIA is appropriate for grades K-6.


Study Guides and Teacher Prep Materials: