New York University’s Skirball Center for the Performing Arts to Present the US Premiere of THE DRAGON CHILD

New York University's Skirball Center for the Performing Arts will present the U.S. premiere of The Dragon Child, from China Children's Art Theatre, as part of the Skirball Center's Big Red Chair Family Series. Directed by Australia's Peter Wilson, director of the Sydney Olympics Opening Ceremony, The Dragon Child blends Chinese art and culture with puppetry, theatre and animation to bring to life a story of growth, survival and hope.

 

Performances of The Dragon Child will take place April 20-22 (see schedule above). Critics are welcome as of the first performance. The running time is 70 minutes with no intermission. Tickets are $25-$40 and can be purchased online at www.nyuskirball.org or by phone at 212.352.3101 (toll free at 866.811.4111). NYU's Skirball Center for the Performing Arts is located at 566 LaGuardia Place at Washington Square. 

 

Raised by the twelve colorful and lively Chinese zodiac animals, the young Dragon Child enjoys a harmonious and peaceful existence until pollution and diminishing natural resources disrupt her life. Through her eyes and the eyes of her friends, this optimistic story of growth, survival and courage explores the challenges our world faces today and their impact on our children, our hope and our future. 

 

Featuring a multi-talented cast of 14 actors, dancers, and gymnasts from the China Children's Art Theater, The Dragon Child is dramatically staged and includes a visually stunning blend of traditional Chinese characters and puppets along with Modern Stage techniques and design. Founded in 1956, China Children's Art Theatre is China's most celebrated theater company for children.

 

Peter Wilson is a Melbourne-based artist. His professional career in puppetry began in 1975. He has worked for most major puppet companies in AustraliA. Wilson Co-founded Handspan Theatre in 1977 and was associated with the company for 18 years. In 1993, Wilson was appointed as Artistic Director for Company Skylark in Canberra where he created works for both children and adults. In 2000, Wilson directed the 'Nature' segment for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Opening Ceremony. In 2000, Peter was associate director and puppeteer for the widely acclaimed The Theft of Sita, touring internationally 2000-2002. Wilson was Director of Puppetry for the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony. He was also Segment Director and Director of Animation for the 2006 Asian Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies held in Doha, Qatar, December 2006. Wilson has worked extensively throughout Asia including China, Malaysia, Japan and Indonesia.