original text by Mimi Barthélémy
Translated by Dr. Maryse N. Roumain
Directed and produced by Emmanuel Elpenord
Performed with Kahbia-Asaaj Sada
“Ti Madanm and the Three Beans” continues Emmanuel Elpenord’s passionate effort to adapt Haitian folktales and oral traditions for the puppet theater stage. With a deep commitment to preserving and celebrating Haitian cultural heritage, Emmanuel, through his newly formed production company, Tiger Love Studios LLC, is thrilled and honored to collaborate with another acclaimed Haitian-American puppeteer in Kahbia-Asaaj Sada, alongside New York’s own respected puppet theater company, The Boxcutter Collective. This collaboration brings together great minds and skilled hands to present this work-in-development featuring bespoke puppets, inventive staging, and live musical accompaniment.
The story of “Three Beans” follows our protagonist through various settings, exchanging one curious item for another after an initial gift of three beans. Some items are practical and ordinary while others are enigmatic and meaningful. Though our protagonist has forgotten her magic powers in old age, she deftly remembers in time to rescue herself. This text is overflowing with powerful messages and holds great potential for the puppet theater stage. Join us in unpacking the lessons of community, generosity, and empowerment embedded in this story!
This project is supported in part by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) through the Support for Artists Grant.
