In Japan it is said that if you fold a thousand paper cranes your wish will come true.
From West to East from East to West, A Thousand Cranes aims to create visual, vibrant, physical theatre inspired by stories from Japan and Europe which celebrate and unite the two differing cultures and is committed to work that promotes intercultural dialogue and exchange.
A Thousand Cranes is a new theatre company founded in 2006 by performer Kumiko Mendl and director Vicky Ireland.
For more information on A Thousand Cranes contact kumiko@athousandcranes.org.uk
Sample of some of the excellent feedback we have been receiving for Tales from Old Japan...
"What a fantastic show!..the show appealed to all
ages. The children were spell-bound - we have had
loads of wonderful comments from all
classes!..Teachers, nursery nurses and teaching
assistants felt they had been given an enormous
treat. The place is buzzing with ideas to extend the
storytelling and role play opportunities in
classrooms..I am sure the show will be well received
wherever you take it".
Headteacher, Brunswick Park
Primary & Nursery School, North London
"it was a pleasure to see theatre return to its roots of storytelling.
Simple, effective and engaging. Thank you."
Rachel N.London
"absolutely beautiful - fantastic quality of materials/props and
performance - a truly chameleon - like physicality in expressing
different characters and moods"
M Worledge, S.W London
"I thought it was great"
Olivia, 6 yrs
L. Stevenson, Herts
"thank you for a beautiful show. As a Japanese, I
appreciate that you showed some beautiful Japanese old
tales to us (specially to my son who is
Anglo-Japanese). My tears came out during your show."
K Prentice, W. Sussex
"I thought it was great and that it was clever how there was only
1 person doing it"
Vivien, 7 yrs
"thank you for teaching us the play, letting us act
and doing the flag waving"
Ellis, 9 yrs
"I hope I know at the end of origami how to make
everything out of paper. I wish I lived there."
Chloe,
7 yrs
"fantastic really enjoyable. Fun for all ages. Thank
you for a wonderful time"
Mrs Hall, Kent
NEWS
A Thousand Cranes have been made Artistic Associates of
Decibel Showcase
A Thousand Cranes were invited to take part in the prestigious Decibel Performing Arts showcase "an exceptional programme of artists who represent the cutting edge in music, theatre, dance, live art, circus and street arts from diverse backgrounds".
We have been delighted by the wonderful response we have received from producers, venue managers and tour bookers as a result of our work-in progress of The Paper Washi Wish at Decibel. We are now looking into ways to further develop the work and to put in place a national tour. We are planning to develop the work in summer 2010 followed by an autumn tour. If you are interested in booking the show and have not yet contacted us then please feel free to drop us an email to kumiko@athousandcranes.org.uk.
Artistic Associates at
To celebrate Arts Depot's 5th birthday A Thousand Cranes are very happy to announce that they have been made Artistic Associates of this dynamic and exciting venue in North Finchley, London.
Kaidan (Japanese ghost stories)
Kumiko will be telling Kaidan (Japanese ghost stories) at Dartington Music Festival
24th August 2009
10.30pm at
Great Hall
Dartington College
Totnes
Devon TQ9 6EL
Milky Way
Based on the Japanese legend of Tanabata, this beautiful tale of friendship set amongst the stars is retold using traditional Kamishibai (Japanese paper theatre).
Blending words, pictures, and imagination this is a unique and charming theatrical experience for ages 3 years + their families.
Saturday 12th December 2009 at 10am and 11.30am at
Lauderdale House
Highgate Hill, Waterloo Park, London, N6 5 HG
(0208 348 8716)
and on 2nd January 10.30am at
Polka Theatre , 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon London SW19 1SB
Developed in association with Arts Depot.
Artsdepot & A Thousand Cranes in association with the Here, There and Everywhere Consortium present
TALES FROM OLD JAPAN
Now available for booking.
Contact Kumiko@athousandcranes.org.uk for more information.
“Mountains are just like people – they have secrets, mysteries and stories to tell”
Come and hear enchanting, bewitching and hair-raising stories of magnificent Mount Iwate who blew hot and cold, the humble woodcutter and his beautiful but strange bride and the snorting, burping Ogre of Rashomon Gate.
These delightful traditional Japanese tales are brought to life through inventive storytelling, puppetry and music.
For ages 5+ and their families.
Tales from Old Japan was originally created with the support of artsdepot as part of Asobi! 2006.
Also available for booking
Origami Stories
Join Kumiko, make some origami and hear the tales of Princess Moon, the Ogres of Belching Hill and the Hidden Treasures.
3 Japanese stories on one mountain told with paper, imagination and fun.
Suitable for ages 3- 8
MILKY WAY AT ARTSDEPOT
Milkyway was performed at Artsdepot in May 2007. Supported by Arts Council England and Japan 21.
World renowned musician Joji Hirota will be accompanying performer Kumiko Mendl live on the Shakuhachi(flute) and Bells. Artsdepot
5 Nether Street
Tally Ho Corner
North Finchley
London
N12 OGA
020 8369 5454
www.artsdepot.co.uk