"The Monkey and the Crocodile" was a production by Prism Arts Studio Workshop which they performed at the Carlisle Business Interaction Centre.
What happens when one friend deceives another? Monkey and Crocodile meet at the bottom of the Jamun tree and soon become friends. They talk every day and each enjoys the others company. But when Monkey gives crocodile a gift for his wife, she suggests something that destroys their friendship.
The Monkey and The Crocodile is an Indian Panchatantra which Prism Arts Studio Workshop told through puppetry, music and storytelling.
The Monkey and the Crocodile
Our successful Four Treasures production was made up from four stories. The Princess and the Sun, Birdsong, Golden Ocean and The Lotus Flower. Each story centred around one of four themes (faith, trust, honesty and truth), and explores what makes them ‘treasures.’ Influenced by Indian culture and folk tales it is an entrancing performance which uses live acting, puppetry and live music.
“The puppets, scenery and all props were brilliant. The musicians and narrators very professional and a great story. I truly wonderful afternoon. A very moving performance by truly wonderful talented people with great passion for their work. Well done!!!” – Audience member at Old Fire StationPrism Arts Studio Theatre toured this theatre production to the Old Fire Station, Carlisle and Theatre by the Lake, Keswick in February 2019. Prism Arts Studio Theatre, based in Carlisle, is an integrated company where adults with learning disabilities and professional artists work in partnership. Learn more here.[link to Studio Theatre] The participants created their productions in their entirety over a year. They began with research followed by design and set creation, puppets and spectacular costumes. The next phase involved writing the script, adding music and rehearsing before it went on tour.
“It is great to share a year’s hard work with the public.” – Jonathan, Prism Arts Studio Theatre member.
Four Treasures Theatre Tour
The March for the Unsung Woman
“My husband passed away in February, coming to volunteer making puppets has been so wonderful – I feel so much better. Actually, I think you have done more for me than I have for you!” VolunteerThe March for the Unsung Woman was the theme of the 2018 Puppet Parade. Produced by Prism Arts in partnership with Carlisle City Council, it was held on Saturday 1 September 2018. The Pageant Parade started at the Civic Centre, Rickergate at 2pm and made its way up Scotch Street towards the city centre and the Old Town Hall. The theme coincided with the 100-year anniversary of The People’s Act. The Puppet Pageant featured life-size puppets of ten Unsung Women of Cumbria who were accompanied by an array of puppets inspired by their lives. All the puppets will be created with communities in Carlisle. Puppets where created of an Unnamed Roman Woman, Lady Ann Clifford, Eliza Linton, Susanna Blamire, Sara Losh, Sarah Coleridge, Catherine Marshall, Kathleen Raven, Sheila Fell and Mable Farrar. 109 people in the parade, 3,000 audience and 1,300 volunteer hours. Workshops were held with; St Bedes Catholic Primary School, James Rennie School, Upperby Primary School, Carlisle Youth Zone, Young Carers, Tullie House Museum, Music Links, Blue Jam Arts, older people, stroke survivors, families, emerging diverse artists, Prism Youth Theatre, children and young people with disabilities, students, Artists, Carlisle Women’s Group, community volunteers to plan, design, produce and perform on the day. Over 200 people took part in workshops.
Puppet Parade: The March for the Unsung Woman
Endless Waters 2021 Project Partner: Wordsworth Trust Artform: Visual Art Participants: Studio Arts
Studio Arts were invited to join a group exhibition at Dove Cottage to create artwork inspired by Wordsworth’s poems he wrote about the River Duddon.
The artists were significantly inspired by the nature of the River Duddon’s estuary area, focusing on the micro, such as leaves and birds, as well as the macro of landscapes. The group made use of a variety of techniques, such as watercolour paint, that gave their subject matter an organic and spontaneous feel to reflect the river’s water and setting.
Endless Waters