Performances over spring break at local libraries
The NRCL Puppeteers perform in Warden during summer 2015. The Puppeteers will be performing in libraries around the region during spring vacation next week.
MOSES LAKE — The Book-It Repertory Theater company will perform a play detailing the life of American artist Horace Pippin in local public libraries during spring vacation. It’s part of a program of spring break activities throughout the library system.
“A Splash of Red” will be performed at 10 a.m. Monday at the Moses Lake Public Library, 418 Fifth Ave. Another performance is scheduled for 3 p.m. Monday at the George library, 109 North Washington Way.
Performances are scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Ephrata Public Library, 45 Northwest Alder St., and 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Quincy Public Library, 208 South Central Ave.
The NRCL puppeteers will bring a puppet show to Grand Coulee and Coulee City during spring break. The Grand Coulee performance is at 4 p.m. Tuesday at the library, 225 Federal St., and the Coulee City presentation is 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the library, 405 West Main St.
Book-It Theater’s visit is the second of three to north central Washington, said tour manager Katie McKellar. For its educational series, the company adapts children’s books into plays.
It’s a regular play, just like the company would perform on stage, McKellar said, adapted for unusual spaces like the library. The company provides scenery, costumes and a sound system. “The only difference, we don’t have lights,” she said.
Horace Pippin always loved painting and drawing, but he had to go to work to support his mom, and being African-American meant he had fewer opportunities to find art training. He served in World War I, sustaining wounds that limited the use of his right arm – and he used his right hand for painting.
But Pippin didn’t let the disability (or prejudice) stop him. He adapted his painting techniques and his works came to the attention of other famous artists in his home state of Pennsylvania, who introduced his work to new audiences.
The third show in the Book-It series will be presented in June, and is based on the book “Flora and Ulysses,” which is “about a squirrel that gets sucked up by a vacuum” and is turned into a squirrel superhero.
The NRCL puppeteers are Brian Higgins and Mark Wavra, teachers at Wenatchee High School and Eastmont High School (East Wenatchee) respectively. The puppeteers will introduce a new robot puppet and bring back old characters, including Randy the orange lion and Hairy and Scary.
Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at education@columbiabasinherald.com.