Traditional African Folktale Told in Song Opens New Year of WSO

Life

WINNIPEG, MB. – The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra is offering a performance for kids of all ages called The Twins and the Monster on Sunday, January 14 at 2:00 p.m.

This story journeys through dark forests, vast plains, and spooky swamps. The story is told with a collection of beautifully carved masks, and singing songs in Swahili. Calgary-based actor Norma Lewis brings the touring one-woman show to life.

The story follows a twin brother and sister, on their mission to conquer a gruesome monster and save their devastated village. The twins ultimately use a Swahili song, Fungua Fungua, to defeat the beast.

Written by Governor General Award-winning author Tololwa M Mollel and adapted for the stage by Doug McKeag of Dandi Productions, the show has been exciting audiences since its premiere by the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, in 2001.

One hour before the show during the Pre-Concert Activities presented in partnership with Music for Young Children, Kids can visit the Conducting Station where they get the chance to conduct a group of symphony musicians or visit the Instrument Petting Zoo to touch and play the orchestral instruments.

Manitoba Post with files from the WSO

Photo WSO.ca