Heron and Crane
an original children's production, grades K - 5

Adapted by Kirk German
Directed by Kirk German and Heather Huggins
Choreographed by Lisa del Rosario
Designed by Jamie Rhodes and Paul Davis
Artwork by Kerrill Brandt
Juke Hickey - Crane
Michelle Brandt - Heron

Bring the hilarious, eco-friendly Heron & Crane to YOUR school or organization!

Heron and Crane is a traditional Russian folktale which became internationally known in the 20th century due to the work of award-winning animator Yuri Norshtein. Norshtein created a short film based on the tale in 1974, and went on to receive numerous accolades for his animation.

The original tale involves two marsh birds, a heron and crane. The crane asks the heron to be his wife, but the heron refuses. Once the crane departs, the heron reconsiders; she realizes that it’s better to be together and goes to the crane to say she will marry him after all. His feelings hurt, he says he’s no longer interested. She leaves, he begins to rethink his decision, goes back… and this cycle continues on in perpetuity. For our version, we will change it from a romance to a potential friendship, and we will create the opportunity for the children in the audience to develop a more satisfying resolution for the story.

The hour-long presentation begins with exercises for audience participation. First, the actors lead the students in rhythm and sound exercises, showing them how to create a landscape of rain, fireworks, and bird noises for the show. The students will then watch the 30-minute show, participating at key moments by making the sounds. Following the production, the student audience members will talk with the performers to explore questions related to the major themes and conflicts in the play, including culture, diversity, conflict resolution, ecosystems, and friendship. At this point, the actors open up the discussion and the students create their own ending (to describe the best sort of conclusion they’d like to see for the story). The actors then improvise the "revised ending" for the students. For older age groups (grades 3 - 5), the actors may also lead the students in a section of the choreography from the show. Optional curriculum guides will be made available to the schools two weeks prior the performance.

So give your school community a delightful and enriching experience they won't soon forget. The full hour-long presentation costs only $250 for a single performance or $375 for two back-to-back performances. In keeping with our philosophies of outreach and inclusion, DA! is also accepting applications for our matching program, through which we provide productions at no charge to qualifying Title I schools and non-profit organizations.
Contact the principal or PTA at your child's school today! For questions or booking, e-mail DA!'s Artistic Director, Heather Huggins.

Please stay tuned for information about DA!'s upcoming season of workshops, productions, and ensemble development!