Through performances, Words in Motion is able to provide children with unique musical and theatrical experiences, exploring themes relevant to their development. Issues specific to Canadian schools, such as the difficulties faced by immigrants, and the challenges of learning a second language, are explored with humour and compassion.
Developed for presentations at our new location at Evergreen Brick Works, Words in Motion is introducing children and families to the concept of Memory, creating a dramatized tour while unearthing the history of the Don Valley Brick Works. Famed Canadian geologist Arthur Coleman, the German prisoners of war who worked there during their internment, the industrial processes of brick making and the homeless people who slept there during the great depression, are just some of the fascinating stories brought to life through inter-active, found, theatre. Curriculum links abound as the Brick Work sites evokes the voices of the past... and the future. But be warned... you could get muddy!
James R Woods as Edvins Groskaufmanis, brickworker, and Lydia Beck as Memory
Elizabeth Johnston as Mrs. Taylor
Michal Grzejszczak as Heinz, German Prisoner of War
Featuring such characters as The Big Cheese, a comedic Carrot and the sultry temptress French Fries, the dramatic conflict of the opera is that daily dilemma: What shall I eat today? Librettist Alexis Diamond and composer Richard Payne have cooked up a feast for young ears, eyes, minds.
After its workshop tour in 2008, Get Stuffed toured throughout Toronto and Ontario, reaching over 20,000 school children. Look for the return of the opera at The Brick Works in Toronto.
When Lin Lin and her father move from a small village in China to a big city in Canada, they face many challenges. The change from a small village to a large city is itself very significant, but even greater are the cultural differences. The greatest challenge of all seems to be the acquisition of a new language, English. Click here to learn more about the show "The Chinese Violin".
Young Frederic Pipkin tries very hard to follow in his musical family's footsteps but every new instrument he takes up sounds worse than the last one. His piano playing sounds like a brick crashing through a window. When he blows into the trumpet, it sounds like a frog trying to spit. Feeling that his musical career is over before it has begun, Frederic is about to give up in despair until one night a family birthday party leads to a miraculous discovery. Click here to learn more about the show "The Fabulous Song".
The story takes place in the Unites States in the year 1948. Reginald is a black boy who lives with his mother and father. He loves to play the violin and is busy practicing for his recital. His Papa is manager of the Dukes, which is the worst baseball team in the Negro National League. Papa would rather Reginald played baseball than spend so much time playing the "fiddle". Papa suggests that Reginald be the bat boy for the Dukes' next game. Reginald agrees, reluctantly, as he would rather practice his violin. Click here to learn more about the show "The Bat Boy & His Violin".