Song of the North Virtual Workshop

Over 300 handmade puppets are used to tell the story of Manijeh, a courageous heroine who uses her strength and determination to rescue her beloved and help prevent war. Adapted from Shahnameh: The Persian Book of Kings, a historical and cultural touchstone and national treasure of Iran, Song of the North, is a departure from pervasive Eurocentric views of art and storytelling. Carefully crafted for young audiences, this is a one-of-a-kind multimedia experience that celebrates collaboration, experimentation, and unity.

Students will watch a recorded performance of Song of the North, performed at BAM. Before or after watching the recording, students will participate in a live workshop led by a BAM teaching artist, streamed live in the classroom.

In the pre or post-show workshop, students will:
● Learn more about the art of shadow puppetry through Persian and Iranian culture
● Learn how history can be brought to life through puppetry, storytelling, and world-building
● Learn how puppets can be activated to draw audiences into a plot with magic and wonder
● Learn how art can be used to combat stereotypes; similar stories help connect people that are different
● Create and/or animate a puppet

This virtual workshop runs about 2hr 10min including the performance. Fee: $250