YPT presents magical Japanese folktale Paper Song

Young People's Theatre welcomes Concrete Theatre and their production of Jared Matsunaga-Turnbull's whimsical Paper Song. Directed by Caroline Howarth, this poweful play for children and families will be presented in the Studio from April 29 to May 11.

Paper Song weaves a traditional Japanese folktale about a crane (Tsuru) with the story of a young mouse and her grandfather. Together, they struggle against an oppressive overlord, the goblin Tengu. This magical performance integrates large-scale origami (the Japanese art of paper-folding) and shadow puppetryinto the storytelling and design of the play. Focusing on the relationship between grandfather and granddaughter, Paper Song celebrates the power of love to transform despair into hope.

Directed by Caroline Howarth. With Sean Baek, Ntara Curry and Zina Lee.

Production Designer: Cory Sincennes; Sound Designer/Composer: Dave Clarke; Dramaturg & Puppet Consultant: Brendan Nearey; Stage Manager: Rachel Rudd.

About Concrete Theatre: Concrete Theatre is an Edmonton-based professional theatre company committed to creating, developing and producing artistically excellent and culturally diverse Theatre for Young Audiences. Their productions explore issues that are relevant to the lives of young people and their families. Caroline Howarth and Mieko Ouchi are the Artist Co-Directors of the company and they share a passion for creating great, thought-provoking theatre for young people. Concrete Theatre produces threetouring productions each year one for elementary age students, one for teens and a participatory production. Productions tour to schools and theatres around Alberta and across Canada.

This production is generously supported by The Wuchien Michael Than Foundation Fund