Tremors run through the earth as a shadowy figure lurks in the background. We only catch glimpses of a dark tail and copper horns as the dark and foreboding music plays announcing this mysterious and terrifying creature.
The beast has been awakened and it is up to one brave crane to settle this beast back to where it came from. In AJIJAK ON TURTLE ISLAND, we follow Ajijak on her quest to learn how to defeat this monster.
IBEX Puppetry Presents a Conservation Tale
Our story begins with a grandmother preparing to tell the story of Ajijak the crane to her grandchildren. They run off to the wings to prepare for the story which involves puppets made from Jim Henson’s own creative shop. As we learn Turtle Island is the name for North America, we can easily follow Ajijak’s trek south as she travels to find her parents and learns some lessons along the way.
As she makes her way south collecting herbs for her medicine bag, she meets friends from all parts of the land - a deer from up North, bison from the plains, a dog from the cornfields, and the queen of the crabs near the gulf. Together, and with her grandmother’s guidance, Ajijak learns how she must defeat the beast - a manifestation of the humans taking too much from Mother Earth and giving nothing back.
Variety of Artistic Mediums
The puppet work in AJIJAK, in this writer's view, is spectacular with each actor skillfully working with the puppets to create lifelike portrayals onstage. We almost lose sight of the actors behind these puppets as we are so entranced with their puppetry.
Aside from the lifelike animal puppetry, AJIJAK also incorporates other art styles throughout the show rooted in Native American culture and traditions. There’s original music, singing, and dancing. The projections also draw our eye and round out this colorful and eye-catching story.
Family Fun and Eco Message
AJIJAK ON TURTLE ISLAND is a great for those who are looking for a family night out as this show will keep the kids entertained by the fun puppets and engaged when the cast calls for audience participation. If you’re interested in shows with a eco-friendly message, this would also be a good fit as the story focuses heavily on conservation.
RECOMMENDED
CAST
Tony Enos
Joan Henry
Wen Jeng
Adelka Polak
Sheldon Raymore
Henu Josephine Tarrant
CREATIVE
Dawn Avery
Larry Mitchell
Kevin Tarrant
Ty Defoe
Heather Henson
John Scott-Richardson
Kevin Turrant
Christopher Swader
Justin Swader
Katherine Freer
Marika Kent
Emma Wilk
Lux Haac
Donna Zakowska
Curtiss Lee Mitchell
Jim Henson’s Creature Shop
Kate Moor Heaney
Matthew A. Stephens
Louis Hellinger
Wen Jeng
Adelka Pola
When
Now through January 20, 2019
Thursday at 7:00p
Friday at 7:00p
Saturday at 2:00p & 7:00p
Sunday at 2:00p
Where
Studebaker Theatre
410 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL
Tickets
$31-$41
Tickets can be purchased through the Chicago Puppet Festival website
Photos
Courtesy of Chicago Puppet Festival
Note: Read reviews and explore more from the Chicago Puppet Festival here
About the Author
Alexis is a theater reviewer, travel bug, media specialist, and burger & beer enthusiast. During the day she works in the advertising business as a senior communications designer. When night falls, or when she can escape to New York, she’s hitting the theaters to see as many shows as she can. And whenever she’s not at her desk or in the audience, she’s out seeking the best burger and beer offerings in Chicago.
Editor's Note: Click here to read more Picture this Post articles by Alexis Bugajski
