:: THE JUNGLE THEATER ::

The Jungle works in partnership with Whittier International Elementary School for, and Lyndale Elementary School through a unique curriculum that incorporates theater and playwriting in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade classrooms with learning outcomes of listening, reading, writing and comprehension skills.

The Jungle partners with the University of Minnesota Journalism School to offer a course, "Backstage at the Jungle" to approximately 25 students who meet each week for one semester to study all elements of putting together a production and running a non-profit theater.

“…in spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.” –Anne Frank

HOLOCAUST WITNESS: The Legacy of Anne Frank is a powerful and engaging 55-minute presentation featuring two actors—one portraying Anne and one serving as narrator. The production includes excerpts from Anne’s diary, read by Anne in costume, interspersed with narrative commentary. The performance is a poignant and ultimately uplifting window into Anne’s thoughts on war, human suffering and the battle between good and evil—heavy topics for a girl of thirteen, but all too relevant to her short life. The performance also reflects the portions of her diary devoted to subjects more typical of a young girl just beginning her transition into adulthood—accounts of becoming independent from her parents, of struggling to discover her identity, and of her first innocent romances. All of this is complemented by a soundtrack including original music and soundscape. The production has been likened to a radio show…with depth, tension, excitement, and a profound conclusion that is both moving and inspiring. This production is the perfect complement to any Holocaust Studies curriculum.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Production:

Q. What is the fee to have a Holocaust Witness performance at my school?
A. The fee for each show is $350, to be paid no later than one week prior to the performance. Also, please ask about a longer program which includes an after-show Q&A session/presentation by a Holocaust survivor or Holocaust Documentarian.
Q. What kind of facility does the production require? Do we need sophisticated sound or audiovisual equipment?
A. The show is versatile and can be performed almost anywhere! Our performers prefer a playing area with tow pools of light, one for Anne and one for the narrator.
Q. When is the production available? Is there a particular time of year the tour takes place?
A. We are currently booking select dates in the month of May 2010, and also collecting preliminary information about bookings for Fall 2010.
Q. What supporting materials are available for classroom use before and after the presentation?
A. An in-depth study guide, including bibliography, pertinent articles, film/video selections and list of discussion questions, is provided free of additional charge.

For more information, or to book a Holocaust Witness performance for this Spring, or to inquire about Fall dates, contact Margo Gisselman, Executive Director at the
Jungle Theater, at margo@jungletheater.com or 612-278-0141. We look forward to hearing from you!

JUMP AT THE SUN, takes a spirited look at the life and writing of celebrated African American writer Zora Neale Hurston, the influential African-American anthropologist, writer and folklorist. Featuring Twin Cities actress and singer Regina Williams as Zora, the performance ties themes from the author's most celebrated works, including Their Eyes Were Watching God, to events in her own life. This 55-minute production includes original music by local composer Roberta Carlson. Especially appropriate for high school literature classes and college-level Women's Studies programs, JUMP AT THE SUNis a perfect complement to any Black History Month (February) or Women's History Month (March) curriculum. The production has also met with great success as a workplace cultural enrichment event.

"Those that don't got it, can't show it. Those that got it, can't hide it." - Zora Neale Hurston

Frequently Asked Questions about the Production:

Q. What Kind of facility does the production require? Do we need sophisticated sound or audiovisual equipment?
A. The show is versatile and can be performed almost anywhere! Our performer prefers a stage area with some options for lighting. We bring our own sound equipment and technician.

Q. When is the production available? Is there a particular time of the year the tour takes place?
A. We are currenlty booking for the spring and fall seasons: March - May and October - November 2010.

Contact the Jungle Theater:
margo@jungletheater.com or 612-278-0141