FLOWER SCHOOL
December 2016
University of Toledo, Studio Theatre
“Mother, I really think the flowers go to school underground.
They do their lessons with doors shut.”
-Rabindranath Tagore, The Flower School
In this haunting piece of music-theater and shadow-puppetry, five flower seeds compete to survive in a crowded, underground school. Hit by natural disasters and mystified by sounds that echo from another realm, they strive to make sense of it all. On the verge of blossoming above ground, which existential musings will inch these seedlings closer to earthlight, and which will stunt their growth?
An exploration of creative process and ecological systems inspired by the poetry of Bengali artist, writer, and educator, Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941).
Writing and Direction by Caitlyn Tella
Harp music by Kaitlynn McCamey
Featuring Dani Hale, Keeyong Hong, Wonhee Kim, Justin Petty, Amber Zuccarell
Shadow Puppetry by Rachel Hybarger, Faith Pegus
Production assistant, Shaquira Jackson
November 2015
Small Acts of Kindness Festival, Naropa University
Writing and Direction by Caitlyn Tella
Lighting Design by Shevek Major Peers
Featuring Kate Holden, Caitlyn Tella, Teresa Veramendi and Nathan Logan on shadows and foley.
Mother, I really think the flowers go to school underground.
They do their lessons with doors shut. (Tagore)
Feel the moist, muddy musings of flowers before they’ve seen earthlight.