Olive & Pearl
Written & Directed by Mara McEwin
Choreography by Emily Bunning
Music by Anthony Rizzo
Costumes & Puppets by Patti Gilstrap

For Ages 2-6

Olive & Pearl tells the story of a young girl, Olive, who is being raised by her Granny, Pearl. Centered on thematic elements of home, and what a home means, young audiences are invited into a cozy and gentle world, rich with sensory experiences. To directly engage young minds, audiences sit within Olive & Pearl’s home, which is made out of a dome of cozy, soft felts, crocheted squares, wool yarn and colorful fabric pieces. The story follows Olive throughout her day, as she is affectionately taken care of by her grandmother. Granny Pearl builds fires, warms tea, makes meals, has a comforting lap to tell stories on and safe arms to rock Olive to sleep. Throughout their day, the characters play, go on an imaginary journey to the moon, sing songs, and dance. Images of home are placed throughout the performance; there is a robins’ nest above the window, a mouse’s hole in the living room, and a fish in its’ water bowl. Home is not only the structure of one’s house, but the place one longs for, like the magic of the glowing moon, to feel safety, love and warmth. Olive & Pearl is both a mirror and a window, for the very young child, into what is the meaning of home.

Magical, visual, stimulating, and oftentimes funny, Olive & Pearl is performed by two actors, who also represent the additional characters through handcrafted puppets. Movement is woven throughout the piece, gently guiding the story, while incorporating the integral and familial connection between the characters. An original live music score, created and played by Anthony Rizzo delicately accompanies the performance underneath. The musical score combines inspired melodies of Bluegrass, Irish Fiddle, and traditional lullabies.