In a country where the story told about people of the Muslim faith is often manipulated or dramatized to show suffering, oppression and pain, Enchantment Theatre Company sees the opportunity to tell a very a different tale – one of self-discovery and joy. The author of this tale – Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow will be our partner in creating a script from her original text – Mommy’s Khimar.
Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, M.S.Ed, is a Philadelphia-based author and educator and her picture books and short stories, which feature young Black and Muslim protagonists, have been recognized as the best in children’s literature by Time Magazine, Read Across America, and NPR. With Jamilah’s expertise and collaboration, it is our plan to bring something new and exciting to the students and families of the greater Philadelphia area.
The story of Mommy’s Khimar is a simple one. A young Muslim girl takes one of her mother’s headscarves or khimars, and with the power of her imagination, uses the Khimar to dream about what she may become. Her sense of wonder and her belief that ‘anything is possible’ are the driving forces in the narrative, and building on her playful inventiveness, we will expand the story into a journey of self-discovery and self-actualization – elements that are quintessential to any Enchantment production. Using the art of movement and dance, music, masks and puppets, we will create the world of Mommy’s Khimar and immerse our audiences in the imagination of our main character.
Mommy’s Khimar will be the next in a series of original Enchantment shows that we have created under the title of ‘Enchantment Everywhere’ – a program we created in response to the shrinking arts budgets of schools in Philadelphia. The performance will be around 35 minutes long, the program will include a 15-minute talk back session, and the show will be fully produced, with original music, masks, puppets, costumes, set and lighting, all designed by professional Philadelphia-based artists. All of this will be packed into a van by our five actors and stage manager, and driven to schools all over the greater Philadelphia area, to be performed in auditoriums, classrooms, lobbies, hallways, and even outdoors. As is indicated by the name of the program – Enchantment Everywhere – we will bring this high-quality performance anywhere there are children and families.
Mommy’s Khimar Trailer
Enchantment Theatre Company is thrilled to announce its newest touring production, My Father’s Dragon, based on the beloved book series by Ruth Stiles Gannett. In collaboration with the author and in celebration of the book’s 70th Anniversary we are delighted to bring these enchanting books to life.
When nine-year old Elmer Elevator hears about a baby dragon who is held captive by the ferocious animals of Wild Island, he sets off on an adventure to rescue the dragon and return him home. With the help of his friend the Alley Cat, Elmer packs everything he thinks he’ll need – including chewing gum, two-dozen lollipops, seven hair ribbons and a box of rubber bands! With pluck and ingenuity Elmer makes his way to the Island, outwits the wild animals and saves Boris, the dragon. But can they find their way back home? As they travel over the ocean they get lost in a storm and discover a magical island of escaped canaries. The resourceful Elmer helps the canaries overcome their “curiosity disease” and uncover a stash of hidden riches. With bags of gold and the canaries’ blessings, the dauntless duo at last returns home.
With talking animals, a daring rescue, a flying dragon, buried treasure and lots of humor throughout, this fabulous adventure is brought to the stage in Enchantment Theatre’s distinctive style. Using puppets, masks, inventive scenic effects and original music, Enchantment Theatre Company is delighted to bring you the story of a compassionate and courageous young boy and his unlikely friendship with a splendid yellow and blue striped dragon.
My Father’s Dragon Trailer
Join Scheherazade, our storyteller heroine, and her cast of fabulous characters: sail on Sinbad’s ship to exotic lands; battle a giant dragon with the Kalandar Prince; discover Aladdin’s lamp and the surprises hidden inside.
Through her marvelous tales, Scheherazade takes her Sultan on a journey of self-discovery, experiencing the kindness of strangers, the triumph of good over evil and the miracle of forgiveness and love. The Sultan is healed and his kingdom is saved.
Set to evocative music of Rimsky-Korsakov, with stunning costumes, spellbinding magic, and spectacular puppets, Enchantment Theatre Company brings these captivating tales to life as never seen before. Available for engagements with symphony orchestras.
Scheherazade will be performing with the Cleveland Orchestra in both Cleveland and Miami in April and May of 2025!
