Shadow figure theater is an ancient art. Rich popular traditions are to be found in China, India, Indonesia, Greece and Turkey among other countries. In the 18th and 19th Centuries, Western Europe and the Americas both had their established shadow theaters (such as the Chat Noir, in Paris), as well as itinerant troupes.
We currently are offering two different shadow theater productions as well as a one-man story-telling show.

Four and Twenty Blackbirds is a magical shadow theater and musical romp through the classic English nursery rhymes. Donald and Anicet present this show as a special treat for young audiences (K-3 grade).

The Adventures of Claude Duval is for audiences of all ages. Experience the zany theatrical and musical entertainment in the tradition of 1700's London and Paris!

In The World Turned Upside Down Donald tells the tale of a minstrel working as a spy for George Washington. Great for grades 4 & 5, libraries and historic sites!
Our Shadow Theater, is a working replica of the one used by wandering entertainers (1724?) Emile and Rosalina de la Tour, here (left) shown arriving at an inn in the city of Cahors in southwest France.

These performances trace their roots directly to the Medieval and Renaissance Commedia dell'Arte with such characters as Harlequin, Puncinello and Pantelone.
This ancient form of theater, presented on a glowing screen, is a precursor to animation and cinema. While children delight in its magic beauty, adults are no less attracted to the combination of farce and drama.
July 2006: The Hurdy-Gurdy Band performs The Adventures of Claude Duval (in French) in Centres Culturelles in Paris and other cities in France.
A look behind the screen of our Shadow Theater.