Anansewa's father is a trickster. What is she to do when his tricks lead to a serious problem?

For inquiries and bookings: 416 364 7313; africantheatre@bellnet.ca

For the performers' bios, click here

This year, AfriCan Theatre Ensemble is pleased to offer your school "Anansewa!" the captivating story of the daughter of the famous storyteller trickster Ananse. "Anansewa!" is adapted from the finely crafted play The Marriage of Anansewa written by Ghanian playwright Efua Sutherland. Much is known about the famed spider Ananse of the folklore of West Africa and parts of the New World (particularly the Caribbean) but what about his daughter? Is she a trickster too?

"Anansewa!" features three professional actors dramatising the story of how Anansewa’s father tries to get funds for her to go to university by holding a competition for her hand in marriage. When Anansewa discovers what her father is up to we see how a modern young woman handles a trickster.

In addition to the performance, we can offer a 45 minute workshop in “Elements of African Theatre” which explores the differences and similarities between theatre in African countries and Canada. The workshop delves into the multidisciplinary aspects of theatre from Africa which often combines elements of storytelling, dance, music and audience participation. A Teacher’s Guide is available for the workshop.

Date: Black History Month – February 1 - 28
Length of show: 60 minutes
Grades: 1-8
Audience Maximum: 300
Price Per Performance: $575 + gst

Performance plus Workshop: $775 + gst
Length of Workshop: 45 minutes

Curriculum Focus & Expectations:
Theatre practices from diverse cultures – Africa
Literacy through Theatre and Storytelling

Themes:
Role playing and guise
Lives past and present for African girls

Character Education:
Respect, Honesty, Fairness, Courage, Initiative

Expectations:
Compare what Anansewa experiences in her life in Africa with what they experience in Canada
Describe how the music, dance and audience played a role in the theatre production
Explain the reasons we play roles and how the roles can be deceiving

Technical Requirements:
Stage or Area: Minimum 20’ x 20’, Off stage area or backdrop
Sound System, CD player

Why educators and students need to see this show
AfriCan Theatre Ensemble is a Toronto group made up of seasoned actors and specialists in the history, literature and theatre of the African continent. Many of these theatre practitioners originate from Africa and the Diasporas of the continent. They have lived and worked in Canada for significant lengths of time and they can mediate between this milieu and Africa. It is no wonder that AfriCan Theatre Ensemble has established a sound reputation among educators, as these testimonies indicate:

“Our school had the pleasure of watching AfriCan Theatre Ensemble present "Market of Tales" in February 2006… As an audience we felt very connected to the seven performers as they told us stories, danced, sang and played musical instruments.At times we felt their dancing vibrate through our bodies as we shared the stage floor with the company. The performance had many layers that appealed to a wide range of ages. I would highly recommend this theatre company to educators looking for a rich, engaging presentation that leaves the audience wanting more.”
(Janet McBeth-Mutter, Principal, Pelmo Park Public School).

“What a superb and provocative performance today! We were totally spellbound by the textured theatrical messages, music, movements and design! Thank you for extending the invitation. We will have much to discuss, debate, question and reflect upon over the coming days... I was thrilled to see a 'full house' and look forward to your upcoming projects!” (Arlene Campbell, Teacher, Lincoln Alexander Public School, on Esu and the Vagabond Minstrels, at Burton Auditorium, February 16, 2007).

We have no doubt that "Anansewa!" will appeal to your students, and will provide stimulating opportunities for discussion and learning about the crafts of theatre and African and Black theatre in particular.